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TYLER, Texas (KU V) - Smith County commissioners have signed off on a $400,000 deal with a longtime Tyler business owner for property needed to build the new courthouse. During their Tuesday morning meeting, commissioners approved the deal with Rodney Kamel, who has owned a downtown building since 1978. Through the years, Kamel sold things needed for concession stands along with collectible items out of the building. The deal's approval comes almost a month after the county took the first step toward possibly exercising eminent domain, which is the government's right to use private property for public use with compensation. Proceedings that will no longer be necessary with a deal reached.