Resident describes recurring fires and sanitary hazards; county attorney cites court order, budget amendment planned for cleanup

A Washington County resident, Kenny (Ken) Matthews, told the commission that an ongoing encampment beside his property on Taylor Bridge Road has produced repeated fires, sanitation problems and threats to family safety. "They caught 80 acres about a third of it on fire," Matthews said, and he described incidents of human waste being dumped on the land.

Allison Wilkinson (county attorney) told commissioners the county has pursued enforcement: staff reviewed applicable standing orders, issued correspondence to the property owner, and pursued service of process. She said the county obtained a court order in October authorizing Washington County to enter the parcel and remove tents, outbuildings and vehicles. Wilkinson said contracting privately to complete the cleanup would exceed available zoning-office budget authority and that she will present a budget amendment to the Health, Education & Welfare committee with updated photos and cost estimates at its March 5 meeting.

Sheriff’s office representatives told the meeting that deputies will respond when criminal laws are violated and encouraged residents to call 911 for active incidents; the sheriff clarified that civil disputes (such as property-right conflicts) often require judicial orders to resolve. County staff and the county attorney emphasized that property owners retain private remedies to exclude trespassers while the county pursues enforcement under zoning and court authority.

Next steps: Allison Wilkinson will present budget amendment options and updated documentation to the Health, Education & Welfare committee; staff will coordinate with the sheriff and planning/zoning to implement the court-authorized cleanup if funding is approved.