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Public hearing on proposed $10,000 fee for new cattle guards draws residents' concerns
Summary
Big Horn County held a public hearing on a proposed $10,000 fee to cover county costs for installing new cattle guards; residents raised questions about easements, liability and whether existing cattle guards would be grandfathered.
Big Horn County commissioners opened a public hearing June 25 on a proposed cattle‑guard fee intended to cover the county's contribution to installing new cattle guards. Road staff (AJ) told the board the fee he proposed is $10,000, noting catalog prices for materials and installation can reach about $14,399 for a set. “The fee that I come up with is $10,000,” AJ said, explaining the county would cover part of installation and would own and maintain cattle guards it installs.
Landowners at the hearing pressed for clarity on liability and property rights. Waddy Taylor, identifying himself as a landowner, asked whether roads have easements or rights of way and urged the county to clarify ownership before committing to policy changes. Resident Lila Taylor told commissioners the draft agreement’s indemnity language was broad, quoting the draft: “the landowner agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the county.” County deputy attorney Heather Reddy said the clause as drafted aims to limit county exposure but can be revised and that the county could choose whether to assume liability for particular installs. The board closed the hearing and directed staff to refine the policy and application based on today’s comments.
