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Holmes County to finalize settlement purchase after survey discrepancies; commissioners seek deed language to protect boat-ramp access
Summary
County attorney told commissioners the survey flags on a parcel tied to a settlement do not match the exhibit legal description; the county is awaiting a corrected legal description before a planned cash closing and discussed adding a deed covenant to preserve boat-ramp access and a possible joint venture with Walton County for park improvements.
Holmes County commissioners heard an update on a pending settlement and property acquisition that affects a boat landing and adjacent swimming area, and discussed steps to make sure public access is protected.
County attorney Blake Cassidy told the board the field-flagging at the parcel does not match the legal exhibit attached to the July 30 settlement agreement; Southeastern Surveyor was asked to provide a corrected legal description. Cassidy said the county needs that legal description in the deed before it can close, and noted the parties aim to complete the cash closing by the 27th to honor the agreement’s timeline.
The discrepancy emerged after a resident sent photos of fence posts and stakes near the landing. Commissioner (Speaker 5) said a picture he received showed posts that were not board-approved and that a fence placed in the wrong location could change public use, create safety risks near turning boats and vehicles, and give the impression the county paid for less land than intended. Several commissioners urged a physical walk of reflagged points once the surveyor submits the corrected legal description.
Longtime resident Jim King told the commission he has used Lake Cassidy since his youth and urged the county to maintain the road and the landing for continued public access. Cassidy and commissioners discussed hauling dirt to stabilize eroded banks, and whether Department of Corrections crews could assist with trash pickup and site maintenance as earlier COVID-related reductions in DOC crews have eased.
Commissioner concerns focused on keeping waterfront access available. Cassidy said the settlement’s intent tied the boat landing to the waterline and that the deed could include a covenant guaranteeing water access if the legal description and parties’ agreement allow it. Commissioners also discussed inserting deed language or covenants to explicitly protect boat-ramp access should that be necessary to prevent future restriction by fences or private improvements.
Separately, Commissioner (Speaker 5) presented concept plans for park improvements around the lake and asked the board to authorize him to meet Walton County officials to explore a joint-venture arrangement and state funding. The proposal would seek revenue-sharing from possible gate/entrance revenues rather than up-front cost-sharing, and includes a placeholder acquisition line item of $350,000 in phase budgets. Commissioners asked for more detail on governance, maintenance responsibility and the specific structure that would oversee a multijurisdictional park before pursuing state funds.
Next steps: the county will wait for the corrected legal description from the surveyor, arrange a joint site walk with commissioners and counsel, and, if warranted, include deed covenants to preserve water access at the boat ramp before closing.
