Platte County Commissioners have approved an order adopting the retracing of the line that serves as a divider between Platte and Buchanan Counties north of Dearborn.
During a Sept. 2 meeting, commissioners had voted to table the approval of retracing of the Platte County and Buchanan County lines.
The dispute over the exact location of the county line has been ongoing for sometime. Recently, Charles Kutz, surveyor for Platte County, retraced the line and said the line is not being moved. The original line drawn in the mid-1800s has just been retraced, Kutz said.
According to old state records, the surveyor who originally drew the county line referenced the line as being “due west along a line of marked trees with a blaze and two chops.”
The marked trees are long gone. Recently, surveyors indicated that historic documents, known monuments and modern technology have been used to determine where the line was originally set. Even some property deeds that refer to the county line are incorrect, officials have indicated.
Some residents in the area are asking government officials why the current lines used by county assessors can’t remain as is to serve as the marker, because the retracing could mean a change in taxing, voting, water and school districts for people who live along the line. It is estimated about five families could be affected.
The original request to survey the line came from Buchanan County, according to Presiding Commissioner Betty Knight.
Commissioners’ approval on Thursday has sparked many questions and concerns from individuals who live in the area.
“We have never done this before,” First District Commissioner Michael Short, said. “The county line is where it is, it just hasn’t been surveyed since 1800s. This is where it is.”
Commissioners assured those present with questions concerning the issue that they would get answers and both counties would work with them to adjust to any changes.
In other business, commissioners approved several bid requests for the Platte County Sheriff’s Office.
The bids include 12 channel desktop radio dispatch console, communications equipment shelter, generator and transfer switch, security fencing and 275 foot radio communications tower. Bids will be awarded during the Oct. 9 meeting.
A resolution was approved proclaiming Sept. 14-21 Heart Truth Week in Platte County received commissioner approval.
Commissioners approved a resolution proclaiming October as Senior Citizen Month in Platte County.