Day 2: Bibb-Monroe Co. Border War Hearing

Tuesday was the second day of the Bibb-Monroe County line dispute wrapped up with Bibb County calling its finally witnesses.

At the second day of the hearing both sides pointed out there is a critical piece of evidence missing, which may help Judge John Sherrill make his final recommendation.  

 It’s a document from the 1820s, which is believed to be an early representation of the true county line divide. Bibb County says Terry Scarborough did not retrace the line in that line survey, but rather recreated it and moved the line 46 feet from where it should belong. Attorneys for Monroe County argue the land survey dating back to 1823, does not truly define the counties’ border.

Bibb County called its expert witness, Walter Robillard, who claimed Scarborough did not follow protocol when defining the county lines. He said he found no consistency with Scarborough’s findings.

Robillard and Robert Armstrong, both land surveyors, claim Scarborough used the wrong ferry landing to determine the line.

Monroe County Attorneys called Dr. Gerald Smith, an archaeologist, who worked with Scarborough on his project. Smith supports Scarborough’s findings, and said he agreed that there are in fact two ferry landings, but the two in question are actually the same one. He also discovered another completely separate ferry landing, which has nothing to do with the county line dispute, during his research.

Bibb County Commission Chairman Sam Hart says he’s pleased with how the Bibb County is presenting evidence so far.

We’ll have more on this story tomorrow as the 3 day hearing concludes.