GOLIAD – Goliad City Council members unanimously approved a request by the Goliad Municipal Development District to convey city-owned property at 510 E. Garden to the Golden Crescent Regional Habitat for Humanity during its July 17 meeting.

During citizen comments, Goliad resident Linda Powell asked the council if it was legal for the city to donate public property for private use.

“Habitat for Humanity is a fabulous organization,” Powell said. “But is it legal for city government to give away city property or assets to anyone other than another governmental agency?”

City attorney Terry Baiamonte said the transfer of property was within the city’s legal bounds.

“The donation of the land is for public purpose,” Baiamonte said. “The local government code specifically provides a political subdivision may convey land to an entity for development of low-income or moderate-income housing, which is what this organization is doing.”

Council tabled its decision on approving the expenditure of up to $10,000 of MDD infrastructure funds for improvements of the property at 510 E. Garden.

In other action, council:

• approved a resolution to designate the Advance-Guard as the official newspaper of the City of Goliad;

• denied a variance request for property at 248 Hill to have two residential dwellings on one water meter;