Sims Lane residents press Morgan County commissioners for road repairs; officials pledge follow-up

Several residents from Sims Lane spoke during public comment at the Morgan County Board of Commissioners meeting on March 17, delivering a petition and photos they said document long‑running road problems, drainage issues and deterioration that affect residents’ ability to maintain property and receive regular services.

Joe Vanzant introduced himself, saying he had brought "30 signatures for the road conditions on Sims Lane" and offered photographs to place on the record. Vanzant said the road has received only limited maintenance — "maybe a shovel of asphalt here and there" — and that standing water, broken drainage pipe and edge deterioration have worsened vehicle access and mowing for property owners. He told the board the last chip‑and‑seal treatment he recalled for the road was in 2019.

Another resident, who said he has lived on the road since 1982, described similar issues: edge deterioration, a lack of ditching, standing water that damages pavement and problems for delivery drivers and the school bus (the speaker said the school bus no longer travels the full length of Sims Lane). Both speakers asked how they should formally file the request and asked the board to prioritize long‑term maintenance rather than short, temporary repairs.

Commissioners said Sims Lane is in the district of a sitting commissioner, that county highway crews are preparing lists for upcoming chip‑and‑seal and paving work and that staff would add the residents' concerns to the county’s maintenance list. One commissioner said they would speak to highway staff the next day and that the county would bring the issue forward when planning the upcoming paving and ditching schedule.

No formal action or vote on capital funding was taken during the meeting; commissioners directed staff to follow up with the residents and to return any recommended actions to a future meeting where appropriations or scheduling could be considered.