Marion County council votes to close Pat Lamos Road after damage estimated over $1 million to repair

Marion County Council voted to close Pat Lamos Road after hearing that restoring the roadway could cost more than $1 million.

County legal staff and council members discussed a pending public process and possible court actions related to the road, which has been open for more than 80 years, according to council remarks. The county attorney said the closure action is moving through a public process and may proceed in circuit court or be shifted to a special referee, which could accelerate the schedule. The attorney advised council that an answer on whether the county will bear repair costs may be needed within about 30 days if the special referee route is chosen.

Council discussed engineering estimates and outside contractor assessments. Council members said county roads and bridges staff estimated repair costs of over $1 million, and a private contractor experienced with post-flood repairs confirmed that estimate. One council member said closing the road was preferable to spending taxpayer money to rebuild a route where alternate access exists and urged seeking legal recourse against parties who constructed upstream features thought to have caused the washout.

A motion to close Pat Lamos Road carried by voice vote; the transcript records council saying "Aye" and does not include a roll-call tally. The motion directs staff to proceed with closure and to pursue legal and administrative next steps as appropriate; the transcript does not include details about signage, closure timing, or long-term maintenance responsibilities.

Council members asked county staff to clarify the county's legal position and whether to seek recovery from private parties they said may be liable for the damage. The meeting record indicates the county will pursue further legal advice and may need a decision within a month if the petitioners use a special referee instead of circuit court.