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Commission approves OHM contract to create Exit 440 master plan; annexation question raised
Summary
Commissioners approved a contract with OHM to construct an Exit 440 master plan. Vice Chairman Rick Vassar asked whether the City of Newport could later annex property in the area; Mayor Rob Mathis suggested negotiating with the city to avoid annexation. The motion passed 10–0 with 4 absences.
Commissioner Andy Ford moved to approve a contract with OHM to prepare a master plan for Exit 440; Commissioner Bill Miller seconded and the motion carried (10 ayes, 4 absent). Vice Chairman Rick Vassar asked whether the City of Newport could annex property suggested in the master plan. Mayor Rob Mathis (signature appears on later resolutions in the minutes) suggested negotiating with the city to try to prevent annexation for property the county intends to retain.
Why it matters: A master plan for a major interstate exit can shape future land use, utilities and infrastructure investments; questions about potential municipal annexation affect long-term control and development expectations for county property near Exit 440.
What’s next: The contract with OHM was approved and planning work will proceed; minutes do not record contract dollar amounts or a detailed timeline beyond contract approval.
