Commission directs developers to hire contractors for driveway pipes; debates county installation policy

Geneva County Commissioners debated whether the county should continue installing driveway pipes for new construction or require developers to hire contractors. Engineer Justin Barfield presented a survey showing wide variation among neighboring counties — some charge per foot, some charge for materials, and some restrict installation to agriculture only. Barfield said Geneva and Dale counties were the only ones in his sample that do not charge for the service.

Commissioner Weston Spivey moved to require contractors be used for installation of new driveway pipes while exempting agricultural and pre‑existing replacement cases; the motion failed on a 2‑2 vote after Chairman Toby Seay and Commissioner Bart Wilks opposed, with Seay noting the county would be removing what he estimated as a "$300,000.00 benefit to our citizens." Commissioner Jeff Hatcher then moved, and Commissioner Spivey seconded, to authorize the County Engineer to revise the driveway‑pipe policy and subdivision regulations so developers are responsible for hiring contractors to install driveway pipes for new subdivision development. That modified motion passed unanimously.

Separately, Barfield reported that YP Land Holdings had purchased a 13‑acre tract and subdivided it into four lots that do not meet the county minimum three‑acre lot size adopted in January 2022. The E‑911 Director also found that one parcel lacked a 60‑foot deeded access and had only a 30‑foot easement. The Commission asked the County Attorney to contact the holdings company and discussed creating a 'red flag' notification between Probate/Revenue offices and Engineering to catch similar issues earlier; possible further action on enforcement was directed to staff and the County Attorney.