Cridersville council declines to fund legal fight over CSX easement; asks for survey first

Fire Chief Miller told the Cridersville council on June 11 that the village and fire department had received a letter from CSX asserting that the alley to High Street and an adjacent parking lot fall on CSX property and that CSX is reviewing railroad easements. Chief Miller asked the village to help cover up to $5,000 in legal fees the department had incurred negotiating with CSX.

Council discussion focused on confirming legal and property boundaries before the village spends money. Council Member Stacey Cook moved to allocate up to $5,000 to assist with the fire department’s legal expenses; no council member seconded the motion and it died. Council instead directed the fire department to obtain a survey of the area and deferred any funding decision until the survey and legal counsel advice are available.

Why it matters: the alley and parking area are used by emergency services and village operations. If easement claims are upheld, the village could face restrictions on use or need to negotiate formal access. The council’s decision preserves fiscal caution while securing clearer property evidence.

Details: Chief Miller said the department and the village both use the alley and that the department has taken on legal fees to negotiate with CSX. Council members expressed concern about committing village funds without a definitive survey or solicitor guidance. The minutes do not record any vote authorizing payment; the Cook motion died for lack of a second.

Next steps: Fire Chief Miller was asked to obtain a property survey and consult the village solicitor; the council will revisit the question after those steps.