Meriwether commissioners table decision to add November Lane to county road system

The Meriwether County Board of Commissioners on June 24 tabled a request to accept November Lane into the county-maintained road system and instructed staff to return with all affected property owners present at the July 7 meeting.

The board’s public works director, Brian Griffin, told commissioners that a field assessment found “approximately 85% of the necessary work can be performed from the existing roadway,” but that constructing a drainage ditch between homes will require work beyond the current roadway boundary and thus deeds or easements from affected property owners. "This is expected to be the most significant cost by the residents," Griffin said, adding the estimated construction cost is roughly $9,000 and that construction easements or deeded right-of-way would be required before the county could perform the remaining work.

The issue prompted prolonged discussion among commissioners about precedent and liability. One commissioner raised concerns that taking over private roads without the road having previously been brought to county standards could set a precedent: "This seems like we're doing it backwards to me," the commissioner said. Griffin and other staff described a 2011 one-time easement the county previously granted to address a washout and said residents contend that repair worsened conditions.

Several technical and legal points were raised during the exchange: staff said residents must provide a survey plat from a licensed surveyor describing the right-of-way to be conveyed; deeds conveying the right-of-way must be provided by each property owner whose land is included; and, for construction that requires access beyond the roadbed, a construction easement or a written agreement limiting county liability would be necessary.

Staff also warned more parcels than initially expected may be involved; a county attorney noted that a third parcel appeared intersected by the road and that up to five property owners could be implicated in right-of-way or construction easements.

Given the outstanding deeds, the potential need for construction easements and the absence of several property owners, the board voted to table the matter to the July 7 regular meeting with the condition that “all responsible property owners are present”; otherwise the request will be denied, the motion said.

The board did not direct staff to perform work before those deeds or easements are obtained and did not accept November Lane into the county system at the June 24 meeting.