Residents, supervisors seek county help after gates block county road access

Residents told the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors that private gates and livestock on a roadway are preventing property access and creating safety risks.

At the meeting a resident said the road “has not been maintained or kept for years,” and that two gates currently block passage to their land. County staff and board members discussed ownership of the gates and whether they sit on county right-of-way or on private property. A staff member said one of the gates belongs to the Rice family and that a tenant (the hog and shed operator) rents from Jerome Rice and uses a gate to contain cattle.

County staff said the presence of cattle at both ends of the fenced area explains why gates were installed. Board members, noting the safety risk if cattle escape, said they would need to identify the property owner and get both sides together.

Supervisor Williams moved to authorize county staff to pursue a resolution; Supervisor Little seconded. The motion passed unanimously. County staff said next steps would include contacting property owners and, if required, sending a written notice that a gate must be removed or could be removed by the county. Staff also said abandoning the road could be discussed if necessary, but that no decision on abandonment had been made.

The board and staff emphasized balancing property access with livestock safety. A staff member offered to provide contact information and work with residents and property owners to reach a local solution outside the meeting.

The matter was recorded for follow-up; supervisors asked staff to report back after contacting the landowners and coordinating a site visit.