Commissioners direct staff to price repairs and seek right‑of‑way for Orchard Grama Road

Commissioner Brown brought a constituent complaint about Orchard Grama Road (off Highway 17 near Bowersville) to the July 22 meeting, saying a section that had been paved was milled and converted to gravel and that the change has caused recurring runoff and property damage to a neighbor.

Brown and colleagues discussed the road’s history, truck traffic that previously used the route, and repeated maintenance costs for graveling. The board heard that the roadway width had increased from roughly 23.6 feet in 2019 to about 32.7 feet in 2025 and that frequent heavy trucks once using the road had caused deterioration.

The commission instructed staff to obtain cost estimates to repave the portion from Highway 17 to the railroad tracks (or to an appropriate termination point), to research and, if possible, acquire right‑of‑way along the segment, and to return with price and right‑of‑way information. The motion included direction to attempt to secure right‑of‑way where possible before resuming paving to avoid repeat future disputes.

What was discussed: Commissioners and staff reviewed past maintenance, the difficulty of repeated graveling, drainage and ditch considerations, and the potential for private contributions from impacted private businesses. Commissioners noted the current paving season and the likelihood that actual construction would be scheduled in contractor queues even after estimates are received.

Next steps: Public Works will prepare cost estimates and a right‑of‑way plan for the board, and contact likely private partners identified during the discussion. The board asked staff to return with the information at a future meeting.