The county commission had a resolution to dismiss the lawsuit of a property owner on Broken Arrow Point Drive south of the river off of Paint Rock Road who was being sued by the county for trees on his property hanging out over the road and looking like they were going to fall, posing what was described as a hazard for motorists on that road.

The reason for the resolution to dismiss was that some thought it needed to go back to the safety committee of the county commission and then on to the road committee before being sent into court.

The motion to dismiss the lawsuit was made, and it was narrowly approved to dismiss by an 8 – 7 vote.

It will now go back to the safety committee and be reviewed. County Attorney Greg Leffew said in the meeting that once an issue is brought to the road commissioners’ awareness of a hazard on a county road, then it is in the county’s best interest to talk to the property owner and see if something can be worked out before it goes to court.

He also stated that the liability is placed on the county, not the property owner, once an issue is brought to the Road dept. Commissioners did not want to set a precedent of suing everyone who has trees on their property hanging out over roadways because there are many in the county, according to statements made that night.