County weighs relinquishing maintenance of 33 forest-owned road segments as easements near expiration

Miranda, the highway department representative, told the commission the county maintains 33 roads that cross Mark Twain National Forest land under easements or deeds; she said two easements — Pine Ridge and Morgan — are set to expire on Dec. 31. Miranda detailed how national forest revenue historically averaged about $27,000 per year for these segments but, after a commission change in allocations, that revenue now averages roughly $18,000 per year for the county’s C1 budget line.

She provided a maintenance example for Pine Ridge: one day of hauling material and grading cost the county about $7,781.84, which exceeds the per-mile forest revenue and suggests some segments currently cost more to maintain than the funds received. Miranda said the county can claim state county road (CAR) funds — roughly $1,988 per mile per year plus about $439.91 per mile from the forest revenue — but that relinquishing maintenance could leave residents with unmaintained approaches. Commissioners asked staff to prepare case-by-case information including the number of residents served, average annual spending, and alternatives before any decision on nonrenewal.

Miranda said she will return before December with per-road data, outreach results and recommended renewals or relinquishments so the commission can vote with full context.