The Marshall County Commissioners discussed a request made by Lake Latonka residents for some work done on roads at the lake.
The request was made in a previous meeting where it was asked if the county highway department could work on some paving work that includes driveway matching and clearing trees that hang over the roads.
Members of the Lake Latonka Association offered to pay for the materials if the county highway department would provide the equipment and labor.
The county performed work there prior to the current highway administration, but County Attorney Jim Clevenger found a problem with the proposed arrangement. He noted that the roads in the Lake Latonka area are privately owned and largely maintained by the residents at the lake. Essentially, the work requested of the highway department wouldn’t be considered a public works project. Citing prior similar actions, Clevenger said the court might think that this is participating in a private line of work rather than a public line of work, which is a concern.
Association President Mike Maddox said money has been raised for this endeavor. He believes that since the residents there pay property taxes, the county highway could do this work in return.
Commissioner Kurt Garner explained that tax funds captured for work on county road projects come from those county roads inventoried on the county’s books, not privately-owned roads.
Another lake resident, Ed McDermott, asked what needs have to be met in order for the commissioners to approve the work. Clevenger replied that the roads would have to be dedicated to the county to continue with the request.
The commissioners indicated that nothing could be done this year and there is time to think about it. They did not make an official decision.
The entire conversation can be heard on this Sunday’s Maximum Impact program at noon on MAX 98.3 FM.
