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Commissioners offer $2,500 to settle tree‑removal dispute tied to Bridge 68 closeout
Summary
Board approved a $2,500 settlement offer to a resident claiming trees outside a right‑of‑way were removed during Bridge 68 work; the board approved the payment to avoid prolonged tort litigation and to close out the bridge contract.
Commissioners voted Dec. 1 to offer $2,500 to settle a dispute over trees removed during the Bridge 68 project on Ballenger Road.
Highway staff (speaker 4, identified in discussion as Eddie Deggen) said the Bridge 68 project is effectively complete but final closeout and payment are delayed by a homeowner complaint about trees removed near the right‑of‑way. Staff described conflicting accounts: project contractor Milestone says it set aside trees for the homeowner, while the homeowner says the trees were not returned. Staff reported three trees clearly in the right‑of‑way and additional contested trees outside it.
"To me, if we don't do something, he's gonna file a tort claim," Highway staff said, noting the practical and legal costs of prolonged dispute. Commissioner Collier (speaker 3) moved to offer $2,500 as a settlement to close the issue; the motion was seconded and carried 3‑0.
Commissioners said approving the payment would expedite project closeout (staff also reported a modest net savings on the project compared with the original contract) and avoid additional legal fees. The board authorized county staff and the county attorney to proceed with the settlement offer and to forward any unresolved tort claim to the county’s insurer if needed.
