Resident urges county to use eminent domain for neighborhood water tank and clear burn-ban information

Glenn Harper, a full-time resident of Twin Caverns in Precinct 2, told the Coryell County Commissioners Court he wants the county to use eminent domain to secure ownership and maintenance of a neighborhood water tank so volunteer firefighters can reliably access water during fires. "So the request is that you use eminent domain to take possession of the land and equipment over the firefighting protection," Harper said during the public forum.

Harper outlined three specific requests: require on-site fire protection (hydrant or tank) for any development of 10 or more lots; ensure tanks and wells are accessible to emergency responders (not locked behind inaccessible gates); and publish a clear burn‑ban indicator on the county website with contact information for permits and links to safe-burning guidance. He offered to help the county implement the changes he described and emphasized community education to prevent future incidents.