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Neighbors urge county not to sell small Osage bypass parcel; supervisors defer sale
Summary
After a lengthy public hearing, Jefferson County supervisors heard concerns about access, drainage, maintenance and neighbor impacts and voted to delay selling a 3.57-acre parcel created by the bypass; board members noted any buyer would be responsible for new access and surveys.
The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing Feb. 20 on a possible sale of a 3.57-acre county parcel created when the Osage bypass rerouted the highway. County engineering staff outlined a proposal to subdivide roughly 1.63 acres of the parcel for sale, but said a purchaser would be required to construct any new access and would assume maintenance responsibilities.
Several adjacent landowners objected, saying the county has not consistently maintained the existing old road, raising safety and drainage concerns. Landowners also argued they should have been offered a right of first refusal before the county sought other buyers and that the sale would shift maintenance and drainage costs to neighbors or require building a new driveway.
One resident noted the county had previously spent money improving that road and that closing or selling the parcel could shift more burden to nearby property owners. Concerns included potential commercial development, barking dogs and changes that could make the area less suitable for nearby residents. Board members said state and county procedures require a public process — including possible auction or sealed bids — and that a purchaser would need to shoulder survey and access costs.
After hearing public comment, the board moved not to proceed with selling the parcel at this time; the motion passed by voice vote. The board also instructed staff to consider whether options such as leasing to neighbors or a future sale with clear stipulations would be appropriate.
