PINEVILLE — A discussion between a Bell County man and Bell County Judge-Executive Albey Brock concerning a roadway became heated as the man persisted with questioning during the court’s regular meeting on Tuesday.

Matthew Bailey addressed the Court regarding a water problem he was having on Joe E. Dell Road of Pineville.

He said water was coming off of nearby property owned by Joe McGeorge, blocking the road.

“What we’ve got here is a classic situation where a private property owner has made improvements to his property and ultimately ended up creating a problem,” said Bell County Judge-Executive Albey Brock. “In order to get it resolved, the private property owner is going to have to work with us here.”

Bailey explained that the water is blocking critical several services, like law enforcement and garbage pick-up, for the community. The discussion continued and Bailey asked Brock more aggressively if he was going to do anything to correct the problem.

“We’re finished,” said Brock. “You’re wanting to be confrontational. We’ve made considerable investment in that community up there Matthew, and I’m not going to sit here and let you act the way you’re acting without making that statement. We’ve spent probably $30,000 to 40,000 putting asphalt on that road. We’ve done a lot of ditching and patching on that entire section. If you stand here and act as if it has been neglected, that’s not quite fair...”

“Secondly, for you to imply that you’ve been ignored coming in here and making these statements this way, that’s not very much appreciated either. I’ve made myself available to you in the office several times. I’ve been very frank and honest with you (and) told you what the situation was. It sounds like you resolved that. You didn’t have to come today and make this display...”

“It’s very well needed,” said Magistrate Rick Cornett, who introduced Bailey to the Court. “And it will help the whole community.”

“We’re acutely aware of the problem,” responded Brock. “And it’s not a matter of it not being addressed. The lady that had to sign at the bottom of the hill refused to do so. He (Bailey) is telling me that she will; we’re going to find that out. If she does, good. If she doesn’t, this is all again just for show.”

Bell County Fair Board presented a bench carved out of wood to the Fiscal Court.

The court took the following action:

• Appointed Donald Hensley to the Bell County 109 Board, replacing Maurine Mills who retired.

• Accepted the Fiscal Court audit for year ending June 30, 2008.

• Accepted the Clerk’s audit for year ending Dec. 31, 2008.

• Hired Travis Mcanish as part-time Deputy Jailer at $7.25 an hour.

• Hired Joshua David Campbell and David Earl Marsee as part-time EMT’s at $7.25 an hour.

• Changed Harold Dean Miracle, George Smith, and Jeremiah Gibson from part-time to full-time dispatcher.

• Accepted Queen’s Way And King’s Ridge Road into the road system in District 3.

• Accepted checks from Sheriff Bruce Bennett in the amount of $17,785.25 and checks from Clerk Becky Blevins.

• Amendment to the budget, first reading.

Stephen Woodward is a Staff Writer for the Daily News. He may be contacted at swoodward@middlesborodailynews.com.