Brazos County commissioners approved a contract July 7 worth $1,825,000 to purchase a Bryan property in an effort to consolidate election operations under one roof and prepare the county for changes to Texas election law.
At a glance
The property at 1003 N. Earl Rudder Freeway was originally built as the Texas Department of Public Safety office, according to court discussion. Most recently, it was a gun shop called Versacarry that had filed for bankruptcy.
If approved by a federal bankruptcy court, the 12,572-square-foot building would become the future home of the Brazos County Elections Administration Office.
Commissioners said the purchase would replace the department’s current setup, which has offices, voting equipment and records spread across multiple locations.
Why it matters
County Judge Duane Peters said election administration currently operates from three sites, including Arena Hall on Tabor Road, where voting equipment is stored and early voting is held.
“What the goal of the commissioners court has been for a long time was to try to put all that in one spot,” he said.
Peters added that planned Texas Department of Transportation roadway changes near Arena Hall will make the site less accessible in the near future, while the former DPS building offers a central location with ample parking for voters.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Chuck Konderla pointed out how the purchase also positions the county to comply with Senate Bill 2753, approved during the 89th Texas Legislature, which eliminates the traditional four-day gap between early voting and Election Day.
Under the current setup, Arena Hall serves both as an early voting site and equipment storage facility, creating logistical challenges as staff prepare voting machines while polling remains underway.
“Being in one location with storage and personnel and records and equipment ... and parking, we’ll be able to give more of a seamless product, if you will, for Elections Administration to hold these elections smoothly and accurately,” Konderla said.
The cost
Peters said the county negotiated the purchase price after the property’s owner, Sitzco Holdings LLC, entered Chapter 7 bankruptcy earlier this year.
According to court discussion, commissioners initially offered less than the asking price before settling on $1.825 million, which is the minimum amount the bankruptcy court would consider approving.
What’s next?
The purchase must be approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. The county will also want to inspect the property before closing.
County documents state additional funding will be requested in the next budget cycle for limited renovations before Elections Administration moves into the facility.
Konderla said the county may also look into selling county-owned property not in use to offset part of the acquisition cost.
This item was passed as part of the regular agenda in Precinct 3 Commissioner Fred Brown’s absence.
Also on the agenda
- New World screwworm: Texas A&M AgriLife experts updated commissioners on the invasive parasite, which affects livestock, wildlife and occasionally pets. While no cases have been reported in Brazos County, officials encouraged residents to report suspected infestations and said a sterile fly facility planned for South Texas is expected to open in 2027 to help prevent its spread.
- Live Oaks Ranch agreement: Commissioners approved a development agreement for Brazos County Municipal Utility District No. 7, which is a planned multiphase residential community in Precinct 1.
Commissioners also approved routine consent agenda items, including budget amendments, road and subdivision plats, specialty court funding and contracts before adjourning the meeting.
