Commissioners debate private-road ordinance enforcement, ask staff to draft revisions and consult road commission

During old-business discussion, commissioners reviewed the countys private-road ordinance and identified persistent enforcement and administrative challenges. Multiple commissioners noted that the ordinance is only applicable in a handful of unzoned townships and that the building department, which the ordinance references as the administrator, does not currently perform the recording and easement work the ordinance assumes.

Commissioner Alexander said the ordinance still has value even if it is not consistently followed in every township, while others suggested that a targeted overhaul would make it administratively feasible. The board discussed alternatives including rescission, revision tailored to local practice, or formation of an ad-hoc committee. Several commissioners and staff suggested involving the road commission for specifications related to road construction and discussed special-assessment districts as a funding mechanism for private-road work.

Equalization staff advised that their office could administer limited elements depending on scope, but that technical specifications such as road grading would likely require road commission expertise or outside contractors. The board requested that the controller and staff member Brenda take a first pass at revisions, consult legal counsel and the road commission, and return with a draft or recommendation. No formal motion to change the ordinance was adopted at the meeting; the board agreed to study the matter further.

The discussion highlighted key implementation questions: which department should administer the ordinance, whether recorded maintenance agreements or special assessments should be required, and how to reconcile the ordinance with township zoning where applicable. Commissioners emphasized the need to avoid assigning technical engineering responsibilities to staff without the appropriate qualifications.