Supervisors split over permit for Southern Rankin Water Association amid ongoing litigation

Rankin County supervisors on March 17 debated whether to allow further permitting activity by Southern Rankin Water Association while litigation over relocation of the association’s lines related to the Gunner Road project is unresolved.

County counsel and staff explained the litigation centers on Southern Rankin’s placement of water infrastructure within county road right of way and a dispute over which party should pay relocation costs when the county improves Gunner Road. The county previously authorized litigation and the parties are scheduled for mediation to determine costs and responsibilities.

Supervisor Jay moved to deny the permit for additional work by Southern Rankin until the litigation is resolved; the motion was seconded and put to a vote, but it failed. One supervisor called the situation “special” because of the ongoing lawsuit, while others said denying the permit could delay improved water access for association customers.

County staff and the board discussed broader permitting policy: water associations are generally permitted to apply to place lines in county right of way, but associations that route lines on private easements can create relocation obligations the county would pay if the county later expands a road. Several other water association permits on the agenda — including Evergreen Water Association and CenterPoint gas line permits — were approved by the board.

County counsel indicated the county is prepared to continue litigation and mediation while other permitting decisions proceed on a case-by-case basis.