Legal Services

	"One of the cable companies in our area is installing new lines and constantly wants to excavate portions of our county roads. Is there anything we can do to offset those costs?"

May the commissioners court charge a fee for cutting a road for cable installation, utilities, or other purposes?

Yes, a county may impose a fee for each cut of a county road during or after installation, maintenance, or repair of any facilities or properties. Local Government Code §240.907 provides that the fee may not exceed $500; may be imposed either before or after the cutting of the road; and is in addition to any other charge the county is authorized to impose to repair damage to the road because of the cut. For more information, see our Common Road and Bridge Questions publication.