Commissioners Vote To Abandon Part of Camp Mikell Road

Stephens County Commissioners decide to abandon part of Camp Mikell Road that borders up to Forest Service property.

On Tuesday, the county commission voted 3 to 2 to abandon that portion of Camp Mikell Road that is located on the property owned by Matthew Wynn.

County officials said the abandoned part of Camp Mikell Road begins at a creek that does not have a bridge over it and continues onto Forest Service property.

Stephens County Administrator Phyllis Ayers said there are several reasons that the county wants to look at abandoning just that section of the road.

First, Ayers said that getting the equipment across the creek to maintain the road is very difficult without a bridge there to cross the creek.

According to Ayers, it has been about three years since equipment has crossed that creek in order to maintain that section of the road.

Also, she said that even if the equipment is able to get across the creek, it is hard to turn the equipment around on the other side of the creek.

At a public hearing prior to Tuesday’s vote, one person spoke against the abandonment.

This man said he and others use Forest Service property there and need this road to access it.

Commissioner Stanley London asked if the county could still make sure that the road was left open for people to use even if it was abandoned for maintenance purposes.

County Attorney Brian Ranck said the county cannot do that.

“From the county’s perspective, the county taxpayer money would not be used to maintain this part of the road going forward,” said Ranck. “It Mr. Wynn blocked it, Stephens County could not have the obstruction removed or the gate removed. That does not mean private landowners do not have recourse.”

Ranck said the question regarding private landowners was one he could not answer.

The county attorney went on to say the abandonment question before the county deals with only two specific points.

“Whether it serves the substantial public purpose and whether the use of public funds, taxpayer dollars, is in the best public interest going forward,” said Ranck. “That is the issue before commissioners.”

London said he wants those people who use the road to get to Forest Service land to be able to do so.

“I just do not want these folks to not be able to use the road they have always used,” said London.

London and Commissioner Debbie Whitlock voted against the abandonment.

Voting in favor were Commissioners Dennis Bell, Michelle Ivester, and Dean Scarborough.

The vote makes the abandonment final and no other votes must be taken.