WASHINGTON
Following a detailed discussion about a right of way action of more than 20 years ago that today has a garage on part of the right of way, the Washington County supervisors by a 4-1 …
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WASHINGTON
Following a detailed discussion about a right of way action of more than 20 years ago that today has a garage on part of the right of way, the Washington County supervisors by a 4-1 vote Tuesday approved the release of a highway easement on Fern Cliff Road. A quit claim deed was approved releasing the parcel to current owner Michael G. and Sherry Pategas.
During the discussion, it was noted that the county had paid for the 1.75 acres in 2003, and that the county no longer needed it. Also discussed was the county’s practice of when it no longer has use for a right of way, it has been returned to the adjacent property owners.
Board members also debated if the county should have compensation for the land but agreed that land values had changed in two decades. The issue of the building location on a segment of the right of way arose in connection with a possible property sale. There also was a discussion about reviewing right of way policies.
When it came to possible establishment of a Secondary Road Assessment District for a portion of 140th Street from Vine Avenue east approximately 4,000 feet, an issue that has had both proponents and opponents, the board unanimously voted down the proposal. The decision came after reviewing recent improvements to the gravel road, the fact that all property owners there knew “when they built there” that it was a gravel road, and that the improvements done this year have, as noted by county engineer Jacob Thorius, made the road safer. However, they also agreed that the road may need further review in the future.
In other business, the board accepted the quarterly report of the county ambulance services from director Jordan Wright after reviewing billing collections, approving job descriptions for new positions of Billing Officer Manager and for a Billing Coder, reimbursement efforts and discussing the need for another ambulance. Wright detailed options and recommended that refurbishing and remounting two existing trucks would save from $50,000 to $60,000 with $264,000 for the remount compared to $384,000 for a new unit.
Also discussed was the time element of about 24 months to do the work and to continue with a known manufacturer. The board authorized Wright to obtain further information to be considered at the next meeting.