Holmes County reaches settlement in Lake Cassidy boat ramp access dispute

After years of ongoing litigation, the Lake Cassidy boat ramp access dispute involving Holmes County is nearing a resolution. The legal battle, which dates back to around 2017, began when Holmes County was sued for using the boat landing and road at Lake Cassidy. The dispute originated from a municipal lease drafted by a former county administrator and subsequently signed by the county.

The situation escalated when a group of Alabama attorneys purchased the land surrounding Lake Cassidy. Following the purchase, these new property owners attempted to close the road leading to the lake, claiming that they owned the entire lake and held exclusive rights to its access. This led the property owners to file a lawsuit against the county. In response, Holmes County counter-sued, citing “statehood” rights established around 1850.

The case has been tied up in court proceedings and mediation for years. However, on Monday, August 12, the Holmes County Commissioners voted to settle with the property owners for $300,000. The decision was made to avoid further debt and financial instability for Holmes County, marking the potential end of a prolonged legal struggle.