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County weighs relinquishing maintenance of 33 forest-owned road segments as easements near expiration
Summary
Highway staff told commissioners that 33 road segments on Mark Twain National Forest land are county-maintained; two easements (Pine Ridge and Morgan) expire Dec. 31, and staff warned maintenance costs can exceed the per-mile revenue the county receives, prompting discussion about case-by-case renewal decisions.
Miranda, the highway department representative, told the commission the county maintains 33 roads that cross Mark Twain National Forest land under easements or deeds; she said two easements — Pine Ridge and Morgan — are set to expire on Dec. 31. Miranda detailed how national forest revenue historically averaged about $27,000 per year for these segments but, after a commission change in allocations, that revenue now averages roughly $18,000 per year for the county’s C1 budget line.
She provided a maintenance example for Pine Ridge: one day of hauling material and grading cost the county about $7,781.84, which exceeds the per-mile forest revenue and suggests some segments currently cost more to maintain than the funds received. Miranda said the county can claim state county road (CAR) funds — roughly $1,988 per mile per year plus about $439.91 per mile from the forest revenue — but that relinquishing maintenance could leave residents with unmaintained approaches. Commissioners asked staff to prepare case-by-case information including the number of residents served, average annual spending, and alternatives before any decision on nonrenewal.
Miranda said she will return before December with per-road data, outreach results and recommended renewals or relinquishments so the commission can vote with full context.
