Commission adopts monument-preservation ordinance to protect survey markers and shift replacement costs to developers

The commission unanimously adopted an ordinance modernizing Morgan County's Monument Preservation Program, after the county recorder and contracted surveyor described the technical need and replacement cost for survey monuments.

Recorder Sean Rose told the commission the ordinance implements procedures, permit reviews and enforcement to protect survey corners that define property boundaries: "Protecting these monuments is essential to preserving property rights, maintaining accurate land records, and reducing future boundary disputes" (Sean Rose). Contracted surveyor Jeremiah Cunningham said replacing a destroyed monument costs roughly $1,800 to $4,500 depending on location and complexity and that more than 800 monuments outside forest zones exist in the county.

The ordinance passed with unanimous support; commissioners noted fees associated with the permitting program will require a separate public hearing before adoption. The recorder and surveyor asked the commission to direct staff to coordinate developer responsibilities to set durable monuments and provide sufficient reference ties so monuments will be recoverable through seasons and future construction.