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Commission delays vote on new county road policy after dispute over easement width
Summary
Commissioners discussed a proposed county road policy that would set a 60-foot easement and 20-foot road width for new county roads but agreed to postpone action after disagreement over reducing the easement to 30 feet and exceptions for turnouts.
The Colfax County Commission on Thursday postponed action on a proposed county road policy after commissioners and staff raised disputes over proposed easement and road-width standards.
The draft policy recommended a 60‑foot easement and a 20‑foot road width for new county roads. Several commissioners objected to the 60‑foot easement and supported a 30‑foot standard with flexibility for specific circumstances. "I have a problem with your 60 foot easement. So do I. I think 30 foot's more adequate," one commissioner said, adding that some locations would still require expansion for turnouts.
Commissioners and road staff discussed exceptions for long turnouts, cattle guards and snow‑removal impacts on fences. Staff noted the policy applies to new roads only and that many existing roads would not meet the proposed dimensions. "This is only for new roads," a county staff member said during the exchange.
One commissioner suggested adding language to permit turnouts where needed but to cap turnout width at 60 feet. Another suggested adding an owner‑responsibility clause for fence damage from snow removal.
After discussion, a motion to postpone the policy passed on a roll‑call vote so staff could revise the draft and return it with redline changes showing proposed exceptions and a 30‑foot option.
The commission asked staff to bring a redline version back at the next meeting that includes turnout exceptions, a possible 30‑foot easement option, and suggested language on fence damage responsibility.
