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FACTS: In 1997, Pinnacle Gas Treating Inc. initiated eight condemnation proceedings in Leon County. Pursuant to Texas Property Code 21.013(d), the district clerk distributed the eight cases among the three courts serving the county: the 12th, 87th, and 278th Judicial District Courts. This case, which involved an easement over the Reads’ property for a gas pipeline, was assigned to Judge Sandel of the 278th court. However, Judge Bournias of the 87th court signed orders appointing special commissioners in all eight proceedings. The commissioners determined that the Reads were entitled to an award of $7,527 for the easement. After Pinnacle filed a notice of deposit, Judge Bournias granted Pinnacle a writ of possession for the easement. Pinnacle then filed an objection to the commissioners’ award and converted the administrative condemnation into a judicial proceeding.
