Commission addresses Road 20 blockage and Road & Bridge equipment, approves right-of-way permits

The Big Horn County Commission on Jan. 21 discussed a continuing blockage of Road 20 and approved several Road & Bridge items, including right-of-way permits and authorization to search for equipment replacement.

Commissioner Bruce Jolley reported two electrical fence gates placed across Road 20 and said the property containing the gates is scheduled to be sold Feb. 4. Jolley said the cattle guard was installed in the correct location and urged removal of the electrical gates; he asked whether the commission should send a letter to the incoming land owner clarifying the road must remain open. Road & Bridge crew member Mann said he would speak with the person he believes is running cattle there and report back to the commission.

Road & Bridge staff Hovey requested and presented right-of-way permits for Road 7 and 16½; Commissioner Dave Neves moved to approve the permits as presented and the motion carried. Staff also noted that work on an access permit for C. Cook, previously approved, has not begun and that the landowner will be contacted about a timeline.

Mann requested permission to search for a replacement backhoe; he said the current machine is more than 20 years old and might fetch $30,000–$50,000 in trade or sale value. Commissioners authorized staff to pursue options and to determine trade or sale details once a replacement is identified.

Separately, Bridges reported WYDOT agreed the planned chip seal on the GP road can proceed even if a road-swap agreement is not finalized, and staff continue to pursue millings from nearby sources so work near Burlington can continue.

Next steps: Mann to report back on the Road 20 gate situation; Road & Bridge to document timelines for outstanding permits and search for equipment replacement.