Resident asks commissioners for help improving private easement after EMS access problems

Jonathan Cobb told the meeting he needs help restoring a long private driveway at 2321 Pinkston Drive so emergency responders can reach his mother’s home. “I come here today, on 2321 Pinkston Drive… EMS is having problems getting down to the residence,” Cobb said, describing a roughly half‑mile driveway and damage to vehicles trying to access the property.

Commissioners and staff explained the county’s legal limits on using tax funds for work on private property. One commissioner said the county has previously executed one-time rights-of-entry to allow limited help but emphasized that the county “is not allowed to spend tax funds on private property” and noted there is an attorney‑general opinion restricting such use. Staff suggested Cobb search for and present any easement paperwork he has; commissioners offered the county’s dirt‑hauling program as a possible limited option but said a half‑mile road would likely need far more resources than the program provides.

Why it matters: Cobb told commissioners that the driveway issue is creating recurring problems for hospice, EMS and law enforcement, and that resolving access could materially affect the health care and safety of his family member. The board directed Cobb to return with right‑of‑entry documentation and instructed staff to advise on legal options and limited assistance the county can provide without exposing taxpayers to private‑property liability.

Next steps: Cobb said he would search for the 2007 easement paperwork and report back; commissioners said the board would consider limited, one‑time assistance if right‑of‑entry is secured and legal counsel approves.