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Emergency Response
1.1 - Emergency response times for sheriff,
fire suppression, medical care, etc., cannot be guaranteed.
Under some extreme conditions, you may find that emergency
response is extremely slow and expensive.
Roads
1.2 - There can be problems with the legal aspects
of access, especially if you gain access across property
belonging to others via privately owned easments or access
roads. It is wise to obtain legal advice and understood the
easements that may be necessary when these types of questions
arise.
1.3 - You can experience problems with the maintenance and
cost of maintaining your road. Franklin County maintains
1,010 miles of roads, but many rural properties are served
by privately owned access roads which are maintained by homeowners'
associations, private parties, or other landowners. There
are some county roads not maintained by the county year round
(no grading or snow plowing) called Summer Roads. There are
some public roads and right of ways that are not maintained
by anyone. Make sure you know what type of maintenance to
expect and who will provide that maintenance.
1.4 - Extreme weather conditions can destroy roads. Some
public and private roads may not be built to current standards
and may not be sufficient to withstand the test of time.
1.5 - Many large construction vehicles cannot navigate small,
narrow roads. If you plan to build, it is prudent to check
out construction access.
1.6 - School buses travel only on maintained county roads
designated as school bus routes by the school district. If
you live on a private road, you may need to drive your children
to the nearest county road or bus stop so they can get to
school. Even so, buses travel on so many miles of roads that
it is impossible to assign a higher priority to one school
bus route than another. Be sure to check with your local
school district.
1.7 - In extreme weather, even county maintained roads can
become impassable. You may need at least a four wheel drive
vehicle with chains for all four wheels to travel during
these episodes, which could last for several days. School
buses and other types of vehicles may not be able to travel
during these times.
1.8 - Natural disasters, especially floods, can destroy
roads. Franklin County will repair and maintain county roads.
Private roads, including private subdivision roads, are the
responsibility of the landowners who use those roads. A dry
creek bed can become a raging torrent and wash out roads,
bridges, and culverts. Residents served by private roads
and/or bridges have had large bills for repairs and/or reconstruction
after floods.
1.9 - Unpaved roads generate dust. Franklin County does
not treat roads to suppress dust. If you reside near an unpaved
road, you may want to have the road treated for dust suppression
by one of the contractors authorized to do road oiling by
the County.
1.10 - If your road is unpaved, it is highly unlikely that
Franklin County will pave it without financing by the adjoining
property owners through a Road Improvement District. Check
carefully with the County Public Works Department when the
seller of any property indicates any unpaved roads will be
paved.
1.11 - Unpaved roads are not always smooth, are often slippery
when they are wet, and muddy during the spring thaw. You
may experience an increase in vehicle maintenance costs when
you regularly travel on rural, unpaved county roads. Also,
be aware that speeds in excess of 35 mph can affect unpaved
roads and cause damage to your vehicle. Potholes and washboards
usually are created by traffic traveling too fast on unpaved
roads.
Mail and Delivery Services
1.12 - Mail delivery may not be
available to all areas of the County. Ask the postmaster
to describe the system for your area.
1.13 - Newspaper delivery is not always available to rural
areas. Check with the newspaper of your choice before assuming
you can get delivery.
1.14 - Standard parcel and overnight package delivery can
be a problem for those who live in the County. Confirm with
the service providers as to your status.
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