HAYS COUNTY & CITY OF SAN MARCOS
Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra announced a desire to submit a bid from the City of San Marcos in partnership with Hays County for the property adjacent to Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos. The land is owned by San Marcos CISD and is being sold to help the district raise funds.
In a letter to Superintendent Michael Cardona, Sept. 8, Becerra stated the city and county are interested in submitting a bid to purchase Lots 3-7 and the portion of the vacated alley between Lots 2 and 7 through Lots 4 and 5.
The proposed purchase price is $1,130,000 for approximately 1.736 acres.
The letter requests a right of refusal for Lot 2 if the school district decides to sell it in the future.
At the Aug. 18 SMCISD School Board meeting, the board voted to postpone the vote on the possible sale of the property, at the time receiving only one bid from Simplecity Design for a housing development.
At the Aug. 5 Hays County Commissioners Court meeting, Becerra announced interest in the county partnering with the city to place a bid. During the meeting it was stated that the county would contribute up to $500,000 if the contract was approved.
In Becerra’s letter to Dr. Cardona that the judge posted on Facebook, he stated that, if approved by the school board, the city would require a 90-day due diligence period to allow them the opportunity to conduct a survey of the property.
“We’ll be organizing a series of community events to hear directly from the people about what they want,” Becerra replied. “After much deliberation, both governments agreed to step in and support a school district losing funds fast from the state and federal level. The purpose is clear: helping kids and preserving community history,” Becerra said in a comment.
A spokesperson for the city of San Marcos stated they would not comment on an ongoing real estate matter.
