Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra Files Lawsuit Against San Marcos Over Property Demolition Dispute

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the San Antonio Express-News reported that Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra initiated a legal battle against the city of San Marcos over a long-standing property dispute. Becerra’s lawsuit accuses city officials of attempting to wrongfully demolish a building he owns, part of which is situated on city-owned land.

The lawsuit, filed in Hays County State District Court, names San Marcos City Manager Stephanie L. Reyes and Cory Lime, the city’s real estate manager, as defendants. Becerra claims the city is violating its own ordinances and state law, seeking a temporary restraining order to halt the demolition. San Marcos spokesperson Nadine Cesak stated that the city has no comment on the lawsuit.

The conflict centers on a building at 201 South LBJ Drive, near the San Marcos courthouse square. Becerra purchased the building in 2015, before becoming county judge. Previously, it was owned by local businessman Dan Anderson and housed the Dixie Cream Do-Nut Shop. The city has owned about half of the land since 2013, with Union Pacific owning the remainder.

In 2018, the city realized Becerra had not been charged rent for the land and forgave $13,119.68 in unpaid rent. This decision drew criticism, with some questioning whether Becerra received special treatment, allegations that both Becerra and San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson have denied.

In January 2025, the San Marcos City Council approved a new lease with Becerra, increasing the annual rent from $4,115 to $5,556. However, the lease, which replaced an automatically renewed agreement, expired on January 31. The new lease included a clause allowing the city to terminate the agreement with a 90-day notice, requiring Becerra to remove the building upon termination.

The city notified Becerra of the lease termination in October and issued a notice to vacate the property on February 3, alleging unpaid rent for January. Becerra’s lawsuit argues that he paid rent for January, February, March, and April, and that the city’s acceptance of these payments effectively extended the lease.

Becerra further claims the city’s actions violate state law, citing Article I, Section 17 of the Texas Constitution, which protects against the taking, damage, or destruction of property without adequate compensation. Becerra is demanding a jury trial.