Highway commissioner outlines plan for jurisdiction transfer of County Trunk U; town to consider draft resolution

Wood County Highway Commissioner Roland Hawk updated the Grand Rapids Town Board on the County Trunk U reconstruction project and a proposed jurisdictional transfer for a segment of the roadway. Hawk said the village of Veron has offered to accept jurisdiction of the right-of-way north of Highway 54, including about one mile currently within the town. He described the county's role in preparing legal descriptions and said town, village and county resolutions would be required, with a likely effective transfer date of January 1, 2027, if the town does not seek to retain jurisdiction.

Hawk explained the practical impact: the town would no longer be required to plow, maintain pavement, repair curb/storm sewer, or perform associated tasks on the transferred segment; conversely the town would forfeit the roughly $2,000 per mile in annual town road aid typically allocated per mile (figures discussed as approximate). Board members expressed divided views: one member called it a “no brainer” to let the village accept the road due to maintenance burden, while another opposed giving up the asset given uncertain future costs. The public works chair recommended advancing the concept and preparing the necessary documents for a future action item.

Hawk said the transfer would not remove property from town authority; residents would still be subject to town jurisdiction outside the right-of-way, but the village would handle permits and day-to-day street maintenance within the transferred right-of-way. The board requested the highway commissioner prepare draft resolutions and legal descriptions and bring the item back for action at a future meeting.