Highway staff updated the board on the Bridal 68 (Ballenger Road) bridge closeout and a related dispute over trees removed during construction. Staff and the consultant said the bridge work is complete and the road is open, but reconciliation of a dispute over 3–5 walnut trees remains unresolved.

Staff described efforts to locate and document the impacted trees and reported that Crossroads Engineering said excavation work required less scope than originally expected, producing about a $116,000 cost reduction relative to prior estimates. A resident told commissioners he believes Milestone (the contractor) dug up trees and did not replant or pay for replacements; Milestone’s representatives told staff they had an arrangement to set trees aside for the homeowner.

To avoid prolonged litigation and a potential tort claim, Commissioner Collier moved that the county offer the homeowner $2,500 to settle the disagreement; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The county recorded that if the settlement is not accepted, county counsel would pursue additional work, including possible insurance referral. Separately later in the meeting the commissioners voted to forward a related tort claim to the county’s insurance carrier.

Next steps: staff will finalize the payment offer and continue closeout work on Bridal 68. If the homeowner refuses the settlement, county counsel will pursue the next steps including potential legal action or insurance involvement.