TOWN OF ROUND TOP TO SUE FAYETTE COUNTY OVER COURTHOUSE OWNERSHIP

  

A dispute over a historical building that has lasted for over a year now appears to be heading to court.

The Round Top Town Council voted last Thursday to sue Fayette County over the ownership of the historic precinct Courthouse that is located on the Town Square.

According to the Fayette County Record, the Council met with their attorney in executive session for two hours, and then voted to proceed with the lawsuit when they reconvened in open session.

The dispute began when Round Top Mayor Judith Vincent and Council Members were looking into some major renovations to the over 100-year-old Courthouse.

A group of concerned citizens, who were worried about losing the building, appealed to the Fayette County Commissioners Court.

While investigating the matter, Fayette County Attorney James Herbich discovered a possible discrepancy in the deed for the property.

According to Herbich, in 1984, then-County Judge Dan Beck signed a deed granting the courthouse to the town of Round Top. However, there appears to be no Commissioners Court meeting records that show where he was allowed to make the transfer.

Herbich told the Fayette County Commissioners Court that the County still owns the Courthouse.

The commissioners attempted to negotiate a deal with the town of Round Top to officially transfer the property to the town. The deal including some deed restrictions aimed at alleviating concerns about preserving the building.

The Town Council rejected the offer, and insist that they own the building.