Wood County commissioners addressed a growing problem around the county’s four lakes Tuesday.

Updates to the application process for pier and boathouse permits met approval.

Commissioner Mike Simmons said landowners around the lake must gain approval before installing piers or boathouses.

The approval would come before the entire commissioners court rather than from a single commissioner, he noted.

The county owns the four lakes – Winnsboro, Hawkins, Quitman and Holbrook – including the property along the shorelines.

Commissioner Jerry Gaskill said people are buying property around the lakes and don’t realize they have to obtain permission to build anything along the shore.

Simmons said people always try to slip by and install facilities without a permit, but it is usually the neighbors who are aware of the process who report the activity.

One issue is piers going too far out into the water in coves that block their access.

County Judge Kevin White noted the restrictions should show up in title policies at the time of purchase.

Simmons said the new policy will help the county get out in front of the matter.

He noted existing structures are grandfathered.

Commissioners agreed to request that the opening for a county agriculture agent be advertised publicly.

Home economics agent Lindsey Yeager said the position has been vacant since November. One interview from an internal candidate had to be canceled when the applicant decided to leave the extension service.

She said another applicant is scheduled next week, but that person has no agent experience.

If that person is not hired, the county will request the position be open to outside applicants.

Yeager said some of these who have expressed interest in the position from outside the Texas A&M system appear to be good candidates.

Commissioners scheduled a public hearing for May 28 for an economic development tax incentive agreement for the Wood County Economic Development Commission.

It is being requested for the rental property development planned on Cedar Dr. In Quitman by J.R. Douglas.