CAIRO — A group called the Ochlockonee River Water Trail asked the Grady County Commission to support its plans for a walking trail and bridge renovation along the Ochlockonee River near Hadley Ferry Bridge.

The group, through County Administrator Carlos Tobar, placed a resolution before the commission at Tuesday evening’s meeting. The wording bothered Commissioners Charlie Norton and Ray Prince. They were concerned the group was attempting to limit motorized boats on the river.

“If you tell people you can’t put a jonboat with a motor on the river, then we got problems,” Norton said.

Tobar said he did not believe that was the group’s intention.

“I would never recommend you prohibit motorized boats on the river,” he said.

A member of the Ochlockonee River Water Trail, Margaret Tyson, prepared the resolution and said the group has partnered with multiple agencies, including the University of Georgia Archway Partnership, Keep Grady County Beautiful and Golden Triangle RC&D on the project. They want to build walking trails along the river and restore the old Hadley Ferry bridge for pedestrian and fishing use.

“I have no problem with what they want to do with the bridge, but I say ‘No’ to a resolution, period,” Norton said.

Chairman LaFaye Copeland said she liked “that old bridge” and wouldn’t mind seeing it put to use.

Commissioners were skeptical about walking trails, however.

“If you put walking trails on the banks of the river, just how long do you think they will last?” Norton asked.

Commissioner Elwyn Childs responded immediately, “Until the first big rain.”

Norton also warned that property owners along the river would probably not want to accept the liability associated with public walking trails on their property.

“We can rework the resolution and bring it back before you,” Tobar said.

Commissioner T.D. David suggested the members of the group prepare a presentation for the commission and explain what its plans include.

“Aren’t these some of the same folks who cost the county well over $100,000 in legal fees?” asked Norton, referring to legal action in which Tyson was a plaintiff that attempted to halt the Tired Creek Lake project. Tobar nodded affirmatively.

In other business, the silence was deafening once David motioned to adopt a proposal to raise environmental health fees in Grady County as recommended by the Grady County Board of Health.

The fee increase will affect 14 other counties in the Southwest Georgia Public Health District, in addition to Grady County.

The proposed new fee schedule includes increases ranging from $10 to $150 for various services.

The proposal was presented to the board by Grady County Environmental Health Specialist Clay Poole who said five counties in the district have already adopted the new fee schedule. Grady County’s Board of Health approved the recommended new fee schedule, but county commissioners had the final say.

David’s motion died when no second was forth coming.

“We’re just not going to act on this tonight, Clay,” Copeland said.