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Wood Run residents raise concerns over lot combinations, covenants and county records
Summary
Residents of the Wood Run subdivision told the commission they are receiving threats of lawsuits after county records reflected combined parcels; they urged the county to pause further lot consolidations in subdivisions governed by restrictive covenants until the matter is resolved with homeowners associations and legal counsel.
Residents from the Wood Run Property Owners Association urged the Harkland County Commission to review recent lot consolidations reflected in county records and to pause further consolidations in subdivisions with protective covenants.
At the public forum, Jim Burgundy, who identified himself as a board member of the Wood Run Property Owners Association, told commissioners that some property owners had told the association they were threatened with lawsuits after learning county mapping and records listed combined parcels. Burgundy said association members view the subdivisionsprotective covenants as still binding and that the county should not unilaterally erase lot lines where covenants apply.
Why it matters: Residents said the apparent combining of lots on county maps could reduce association dues or assessment obligations for owners who combine parcels, creating perceived inequities and the potential for legal conflict. The association asked the commission to halt further administrative consolidation in the affected subdivision until the association and county attorney review the cases.
What residents said: Burgundy described examples where owners who combined lots appeared to reduce fees or assessments and said the change could cost other property owners tens of thousands of dollars. Residents emphasized that covenants dating to the 1970s remain in force and that the homeowners association (HOA) retains authority over covenant enforcement. Several residents urged the commission and county staff to consult HOA leadership and the county attorney before administratively modifying lot lines in subdivisions covered by protective covenants.
County response and next steps: Commissioners and staff said the county's record-keeping and parcel-mapping processes do not terminate private covenants; covenant enforcement is a matter between property owners and their HOA unless a court or legal process alters them. Commissioners advised residents to work first with their association and, if needed, the county attorney. The mayor and staff suggested pausing any county administrative consolidations for the subdivision while the parties seek legal clarification and recommended residents bring a written request or documentation to the county.
No formal county action was taken at the meeting; public commenters were directed to meet with HOA representatives and county staff to pursue dispute resolution.
