After discussion in executive session, the Early City Council voted to continue the filing of eminent domain with four property holders – three in Brownwood and one in Early – who have refused easements across their property for the City of Early and Zephyr Water Supply Corporation’s water pipeline project.

The council discussed the issue Tuesday night with members of the Zephyr Water Supply Corporation and Early City administrator Ken Thomas said all involved in the discussions agreed it was time to move on to the next step. The process of acquiring easements has been ongoing for a year now. Thomas said the Zephyr Water Supply Corporation will approve the process at their next regular meeting as well.

Thomas said city attorney Perry Simms will meet with a Mr. Tatum, a specialist on eminent domain from Abilene and will begin the process of filing so the city can continue with the easements.

Thomas said it is his understanding that the process can take somewhere between 60 and 90 days. Once the easements have been acquired, the state will conduct an environmental study. After the study has been completed, the city will begin purchasing material and begin the actual laying of the pipe.