Oldham County fiscal court votes to end county maintenance of Oregon Creek Farm roads after months of debate

Oldham County Fiscal Court voted 8–1 on Aug. 19 to adopt a resolution that removes most streets in the Oregon Creek Farm subdivision from the county road maintenance system, following an extended public-comment period and presentations from county staff.

The resolution, numbered 01062625, directs the county road department to stop maintaining Ridge Road (except a 1,265-linear-foot paved portion already in the county system), Oregon Circle, Hillveil Road, Springveil Circle and Ridgeway Circle in Oregon Creek Farm. Magistrate Jeffreys moved for the court to adopt the resolution; the motion passed on a roll-call vote with Magistrate Woosley the only member voting no.

The vote came after residents of Oregon Creek Farm pressed the court to continue maintenance, citing emergency access, mail delivery, school buses and property values. Dozens of residents spoke during public comment. “We expect emergency responders to have access to our homes,” said Tom Cray, a Ridge Road resident. “Discontinuance of maintenance of these roads … will endanger the safety and health of everyone that lives up there.”

Why the court acted now

County engineering staff and the court’s attorney told the fiscal court that state law limits the county’s ability to spend general tax dollars to maintain roads that are not formally accepted into the county road system and that were not constructed to current county standards. County Attorney Barry Baxter told the court that his research produced “no evidence that would indicate that these roads had ever been accepted into the county system.” County Engineer Jim Silliman presented available historical records and cost estimates.

Silliman said planning records show the subdivision’s roads were built as gravel with roughly 7…