Opinion ID: 895007
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Dismissal for Failure to Negotiate Purchase of Smaller Tract

Text: FKM contends the trial court was authorized to dismiss the suit because the University failed to negotiate with FKM to purchase the smaller tract. We disagree. FKM does not claim that the University did not offer to purchase the larger tract prior to filing suit. The Property Code requires that the condemning authority state in its petition that the authority and the property owner are unable to agree on damages. TEX. PROP.CODE § 21.012(b)(4). The provision clearly contemplates that the condemnor negotiate with the property owner prior to filing suit. However, the Property Code does not require a condemning authority to continue negotiating after suit is filed. FKM also does not refer us to a rule by which other civil suits are tried that requires negotiation after pleadings are amended to seek different relief from that sought in preceding pleadings. There is no basis for a ruling that the University's failure to negotiate after amending its petition divested the trial court of jurisdiction and authorized dismissal of the suit.