Rankin County OKs up to $25,000 for temporary Palo Verde road repairs, authorizes court enforcement of developer settlement

The Rankin County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 2 authorized up to $25,000 for temporary repairs to Plantation Boulevard and Del Rio in the Palo Verde subdivision and instructed county legal counsel to pursue court enforcement of a settlement agreement with the developer.

The action came after prolonged delays in the developer’s submission of an approvable plat for Palo Verde Phase 2, which the county says is required before permanent street extensions and cul-de-sacs can be constructed. County staff and residents described repeated access problems and continuing damage to existing streets.

County Attorney (speaking to the board) outlined the background: the settlement agreement and court order require the developer to submit an approvable plat and certain obligations are triggered only after county approval of that plat. “We continue to wait for an approvable plat for Palo Verde phase 2,” the attorney said, adding that without an approved plat the county cannot finalize where street extensions and cul-de-sacs will go or the developer’s contractual responsibilities.

Road staff described conditions on the ground and gave a cost estimate for a short-term fix. “For an immediate fix for the people that are out there now … probably closer to $25, $30,000 range,” said Tim, the county engineer, describing grading and asphalt work needed on Plantation and Del Rio to restore safe access to existing homes. Road Manager Mike confirmed Del Rio requires some additional grading because it has lost its crown and profile.

Resident John Woods, who lives at 177 Plantation Boulevard, told supervisors he has lived with the problem for five years and urged a durable interim repair that can withstand expected construction traffic. “If you lived out there and spent over a half a $1,000,000 on your house, and you had to wait 5 years for somebody to take care of the street in front of your house…” Woods said.

Supervisor Scott moved the combined action to (1) authorize the road manager and consulting engineer to develop a short-term temporary repair solution for Del Rio and Plantation up to $25,000, and (2) authorize county legal counsel to immediately pursue enforcement of the settlement agreement through the court. Supervisor Brad seconded the motion. The board approved the motion by voice vote.

Legal staff said the county has previously undertaken emergency repairs in the subdivision and later recovered costs in past instances; staff proposed seeking similar recovery tied to the settlement if the board pursues enforcement. County staff also said construction traffic and earlier uncontrolled heavy equipment movements contributed to road deterioration and that the settlement requires a dedicated construction entrance in future development plans to direct heavy construction traffic away from existing neighborhood streets.

Board members said the short-term repairs aim to restore safe access for current residents while court processes continue to compel the developer to meet platting and construction obligations. The board’s motion authorizes staff to proceed with a temporary stabilization, not the permanent street extension or alignment that will follow an approved plat and potential lot sales that will fund larger work.

The board also directed staff to request a court hearing if the developer does not produce the required plat so the court can enforce the settlement terms.

The temporary work and legal steps are intended to provide immediate relief to homeowners while preserving the county’s options to recover costs and pursue permanent solutions once the platting and settlement conditions are satisfied.