Franklin BOC Meets For Work Session This Evening via ZOOM

Franklin County Commissioners could have a decision on what to do about repairing a stretch of Colston Road that goes over a deteriorating earthen dam.

The Board plans to continue discussions this evening at their work session on how to repair the bridge.

The earthen dam is under the only road leading into a subdivision.

In February 2020, the Board voted to not only adopt but to fix Colston Road that has become virtually impassable – that after citizens’ complaints.

People who live on the road came before the Board and said the road off Highway 106 is so bad, they can’t get the basic services they’re paying taxes for, such as ambulance, fire, and police service because their vehicles can’t get up and over the dam.

But the issue over the years has been who owns the deteriorating dam under the road.

Last month, the Board heard a report from County engineer John Phillips after he had the dam and the road inspected and said there is no easy way to fix the dam.

Philips said after researching and studying the earthen dam under Carlston Rd, he said there are a number of areas where water is seeping through and causing deterioration.

Philips said the only way to really fix the dam and the road properly would be to drain the lake completely.

The dam was put in by the developer of the subdivision to create a small lake, but it was not designed or put in correctly according to Philips, and should not have been put underneath the road.

According to Philips, the County would have to obtain easements from the owners of the dam and pond since the county only owns the road and not the dam.

Another problem he said is there’s only one road in and out of the subdivision and if that’s shut down to repair the dam, there’s no way for the 18 homeowners to get in and out of their subdivision.

Philips recommended turning the matter over to the county attorney to find out if the County has a legal right to drain the lake and fix the dam.

Commissioners agreed to consult with the county attorney before moving forward.

Tonight they hope to hear the opinion of County Attorney Bubba Samuels.

In other business, the Board will discuss the 2022 LMIG projects and the institution of a county noise ordinance.

Tonight’s meeting begins at 6p and is only available on ZOOM and you can contact County Clerk Kayla Finger for the ZOOM information.