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Grimes County orders survey of Iola collection (compactor) site after right‑of‑way questions
Summary
County staff will fund a topographic and location survey of the Iola solid‑waste collection site after officials found the compactor sits within a road right‑of‑way that may not have been vacated; survey results will guide relocation or negotiation with the Iola ISD.
Grimes County officials on June 11 authorized a professional survey of the Iola solid‑waste collection site after learning the existing compactor sits within what appears to be an unvacated county right‑of‑way.
Kat Lee, the county 9‑1‑1 GIS and environmental coordinator, reported that her research and conversations with retired county employees indicate the Iola site was placed in the 1980s and may sit in the middle of a county right‑of‑way that was never formally vacated. Commissioner Chad Mallett said the compactor and associated storage area are partly on a strip where the county previously abandoned rights in other locations, and the county lacks records of a formal vacation.
The court approved contracting a topographic and location survey (including proposed relocation area and topography) and authorized funding from nondepartmental professional services (Fund 424), with an estimated professional fee range of roughly $2,000 to $5,000. County staff said a survey is a prerequisite to negotiating a permanent relocation or an agreement with the Iola Independent School District, which owns adjacent property. The County Attorney will review existing agreements or leases with the school district once the survey is complete.
Why it matters: The compactor is currently sited where right‑of‑way and property ownership are unclear; determining exact boundaries and topography will be necessary before any permanent relocation, fencing, drainage work or concrete pads are built. The survey will also inform whether a formal agreement with Iola ISD is required.
Next steps: Staff will arrange the survey and report back with results; commissioners indicated they will bring proposed relocation plans to the Iola ISD board and engage the County Attorney as needed.
