The Starke County Commissioners affirmed Monday that a disputed roadway at Bass Lake remains a county road and will continue to remain a county road unless a court determines otherwise.
The issue returned to the commissioners’ agenda at Monday’s meeting, though the individual who requested the agenda item did not attend the meeting. Commissioners shared that the person who requested the agenda item informed the county he may seek legal representation.
County Attorney Justin Schramm told commissioners he had received additional documents hours before the meeting, including a title search and a letter asserting the county may not have formally claimed the portion of the road. Schramm said he would need additional time to review the materials before commenting further.
Despite the new information, commissioners said the county’s position has not changed.
Commissioners stated that the county continues to recognize the roadway as a county road and that no action would be taken to close or block it.
Schramm said if the property owner chooses to challenge the county’s position, the matter would likely be resolved through the legal system.
During public comment, multiple Bass Lake residents urged commissioners to maintain public access to the roadway.
Residents said they believe the road serves as an important access point for emergency responders, including fire departments drawing water from the lake and water rescue operations. Others expressed concerns about property values, public lake access and what they described as the roadway being used as a private driveway.
Commissioners reiterated that there are no plans to install a gate or otherwise block access to the roadway.
Officials also indicated that any future developments related to the dispute would likely come through the court system rather than additional discussion by the commissioners unless new action is placed on a future meeting agenda.
