Commission re‑implements private‑road grading policy after residents request maintenance for Whispering Pines Circle

Jackson County commissioners voted to reinstate a private‑road grading program on a one‑year trial basis after residents asked the board to address deteriorating conditions on Whispering Pines Circle.

The program allows adjoining property owners on private roads to submit a written application, provide proof of ownership and sign a temporary ingress/egress easement that permits county crews to access the road. Under the policy the county will send a Road & Bridge supervisor to prepare an estimate for grading; property owners must agree to pay the estimated cost before work proceeds. The trial policy limits county grading on private roads to no more than two events per fiscal year per approved application.

Residents from Whispering Pines asked the board for help describing persistent washboarding and potholes on dirt sections that feed several dozen homes; one resident said multiple neighbors had signed a petition. Commissioners and staff explained the county cannot expend unrestricted public funds to maintain private roads, so the policy is designed to balance public involvement with property‑owner responsibility. Staff said the county tried the program previously for one year and received no applications; the board reinstated it and asked staff to publish application materials and route the policy for a one‑year trial period.

Commissioners instructed staff to provide the application and policy language to the public and to estimate costs for Whispering Pines should owners apply. The board did not accept the roads as public rights‑of‑way during the meeting; it reinstated the process allowing property owners to apply for limited, county‑performed grading paid by applicants.