The Bastrop City Council approved a cooperative endeavor agreement (CEA) to reimburse 50% of the demolition costs for a property at 2201 West Madison Avenue and discussed the city’s broader code-enforcement and demolition approach.

Council members described the CEA as a cost-sharing arrangement in which a private group coordinated demolition with property owners and the city agreed to reimburse half the costs. City staff explained the process included confirmation of owner releases and required documentation; the invoice discussed at the meeting shows a total payment to the contractor of $2,000, with the city’s portion described in discussion as $1,000–$1,200 depending on final accounting.

City Attorney Charlie Jones (referred to in the transcript as "the attorney") provided the council's legal perspective, saying the city’s use of CEAs in demolition and clearance is legally valid when the Bellas test (legal standard discussed in the meeting) is met. Jones addressed past disputes over CEAs and payments, specifically citing earlier controversies involving council members and past administrations. "My legal opinion from day 1... that the work was done and performed that it need to be paid," Jones said, noting that where work fulfills the Bellas test the city may compensate a private actor for demolition or cleanup work that advances public goals.

Councilmembers raised questions about fairness and consistency with past instances where payments or timing of approvals led to complaints. Several council members noted the need to treat all applicants consistently. The council voted to approve the current CEA and directed staff to ensure documentation and legal compliance before payment.

Staff said the city is increasing code-enforcement activity, filing dozens of citations and working through environmental court; if property owners do not respond the city may perform work and place a lien on the property. Council asked that future CEAs include clear documentation of owner releases and that staff provide a list of cited properties at the next meeting.