Resident seeks permission to install seasonal fence on county-owned floodplain lot; staff flag federal buyout restriction

A Webster County resident told the Board of Supervisors on July 15, 2025, they would like to erect a seasonal, nonpermanent fence on county-owned land next to their property to keep animals out of the street. The resident said they have maintained the parcel for six years and planned to remove the fence in winter and leave access points for river monitors.

County staff cautioned that the parcel had been acquired as part of a federal flood buyout, which may limit the county’s authority to transfer or grant interests in the property. A staff member from the auditor’s office said the county cannot transfer legal interest in property that was part of a federal buyout and that staff would need to determine whether granting an easement or other permission would violate federal requirements.

County Engineer Jamie Joel said he had some information and that the matter was not on the meeting’s agenda, so the board could not vote immediately. The auditor’s office and the resident were encouraged to continue conversations; staff said they would bring the matter back to the board if necessary once they have determined the legal status and potential options. No formal action or vote was taken at the meeting.