Commissioners approve two subdivisions and agree to add surveyor rates to planning contract

The Holmes County Board approved two subdivision plats and authorized staff to include contract surveyor hourly rates in the county planning contract at Tuesday's meeting.

Planning staff presented a proposed subdivision to create Homestead Hollow Phase 1 (applicant: Harry Bill) from the Northeast corner of Antique Road and County Road 173. Staff said the proposal would create 11 new parcels out of a parent tract noted in the packet and that remaining acreage (described in staff materials) was excluded from the current plat. Wetlands were present in the parent tract but each proposed parcel had sufficient uplands, staff said. The planning commission previously reviewed the proposal; the board approved the plat pending no additional surveyor comments.

A second item, a subdivision for Cheryl Chastie, would create an 11.91-acre parcel with an 18.43-acre remainder and rely on existing easement access for one lot. Planning staff recommended approval; the planning commission had unanimously approved the plat and the board approved it.

Staff also explained that Dewberry (county surveyor / reviewer) had historically reviewed plats without billing the county but now requested to be paid for survey review work. Planning staff asked to add Dewberry's hourly rates to the planning contract; commissioners approved adding surveyor rates to the contract and asked staff to monitor whether existing subdivision fees covered those costs or whether a future fee adjustment would be needed.

Ending: Both plats were approved and staff will add the surveyor's rates to the planning contract and report back if subdivision fee adjustments are required.