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Natrona commissioners adopt resolution establishing Squawk Creek as County Road 502 after public hearing
Summary
After a public hearing and resident questions about right‑of‑way and tax impacts, the board adopted Resolution 11‑26 to recognize Squawk Creek Road (CR 502) as a county highway by prescription and directed staff to proceed with design and notice steps.
The Natrona County Commission voted March 17 to adopt Resolution 11‑26 formally establishing County Road 502 (Squawk Creek Road) as a county highway by prescription after a public hearing in which residents raised questions about right‑of‑way, ditch encroachments and potential tax consequences.
County staff reported the notice process required under state statute: 57 mailed notices (34 delivered, 19 returned as undeliverable, two in transit), multiple published notices in the Casper Star‑Tribune and an informational meeting on March 4. Staff also said an amended notice corrected a prior naming error and included a survey so property owners could see proposed right‑of‑way lines.
Residents sought clarification on several points. Condo Edwards asked what the difference is between a “county road” and a “county highway”; staff explained state statute uses the word “highway” for county roads and that the designation does not itself change pavement width or usage. Other commenters asked whether easement rights would reduce parcel acreage for tax purposes; county staff and the assessor’s mapping office said the assessor overlays deeds and meets‑and‑bounds descriptions to determine whether taxable acreage changes are necessary and will notify property owners if adjustments occur.
Road and Bridge director Mike told the commission that the county’s intent is not to widen the road beyond the existing traveled way but to formalize the corridor the county has maintained, preserve drainage and clarify maintenance responsibility; he also said planned improvements (culverts, resurfacing) would likely increase the practical value of properties along the corridor. Staff estimated major reconstruction and improvement costs could exceed $2 million, a figure mentioned in the discussion to give context to the scale of work contemplated.
After taking public comment and discussing statutory procedure, the commission approved Resolution 11‑26 by vote.
Provenance: hearing record and vote appear in the meeting transcript and recorded actions; staff documentation of notices and survey materials referenced during the hearing.
