A moratorium on establishing or extending county public roads was approved Wednesday night by the Douglas County Commission.

The moratorium went into effect immediately and will continue through June. The resolution does have a process for an individual or entity with property interests to seek an exemption to the moratorium.

Commissioners wanted the moratorium so they can work with the county planning staff and others in determining when it is in the public interest to extend or establish a road.

“It gives us time to discuss, debate and agree on a policy,” Commissioner Bob Johnson said. “It’s a balance of private interests and the public’s.”

Commissioners Jere McElhaney and Charles Jones agreed.

Commissioners in recent months have received two requests to extend roads. Neither was approved.

Jones said he wants to involve township boards, emergency services and school districts in the discussion.

“I’d like to hear from the schools about how it will affect bus routes,” he said.

Commissioners also said a maintenance cost analysis should be prepared on road extensions.

In other business, commissioners approved a conditional-use permit that allows Rural Water District 3 to build a water tower on the property of Leroy and Jeanne Boucher at U.S. Highway 40 and County Route 1023. The permit will be up for renewal after 10 years and reviewed after five years.