Cameron County Housing Finance Corporation faces lawsuit

GEORGETOWN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Cameron County Housing Finance Corporation is being sued over allegations of violating state law.

Williamson County has filed a lawsuit and a temporary restraining order against the housing corporation, alleging abuse of the Texas Housing Finance Act.

A press conference was held Wednesday at the Williamson County Courthouse to discuss the lawsuit.

Officials say the Cameron County HFC is attempting to remove $100 million of property in Williamson County from the tax rolls.

The properties at risk are located within the Sienna Municipal Utility District, Hutto Independent School District and Emergency Service District 3.

"Cameron County HFC did this without contacting anyone from Williamson County, Hutto ISD, or any other local officials," said Williamson County Commissioner Russ Boles.

Williamson County claims tax exempting the property would limit resources in the community.

"Tax exempting these apartment complexes will reduce the Hutto ISD tax levy by more than $1.2 million annually, creating unnecessary hardship for the kids of the fast-growing district. It also limits the resources of our firemen and our sheriff deputies, and affects our public safety," Boles said.

Boles claims he reached Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino to address his concerns.

"He effectively stated that he does not care, leaving a lawsuit as the only option for Williamson County," Boles continued.

Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell called Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to open an investigation into the Cameron County HFC.

"Explain to us how some folks 350 miles away can come into our community and steal from our children, take away from our law enforcement and diminish our firefighters?," Gravell stated. "We did not ask for your help. We do not want your help."

ValleyCentral has reached Cameron County HFC for comment but have yet to hear back.