Resident request to rock Level B road prompts county policy discussion

A resident raised a long-running dispute about a reduced-maintenance "Level B" road and asked the board to authorize rock (gravel) for about 610 feet of the roadway that several weekend visitors use. The resident said the route is not a dead-end and that drivers from Des Moines and other areas are using it, increasing wear and raising access concerns.

County staff explained that Level B roads are classified for reduced maintenance because of low traffic and that upgrading many such roads would create significant long-term expense. Staff described three policy options: (1) allow a resident to pay to place rock but document in writing that the county will not assume future maintenance, (2) reclassify the road to Level A (county-maintained) which would increase recurring costs, or (3) pursue legal/administrative solutions such as vacating a dead-end road. Staff also said any permanent change should be documented so future boards and residents understand maintenance responsibilities.

"We allow it where he pays for the rock to put it down; however, our maintenance crews do not maintain it as a level a," an agency official said, outlining the resident-funded upgrade option and the long-term liability concerns. The board discussed incentives that could encourage building on low‑maintenance roads and noted the need for clear written agreements if resident-funded upgrades are permitted.