Douglas County Commissioners had a wide-ranging discussion Monday about the county getting more involved in installing entrances to private properties.

But the public works department will go back to the drawing board after hearing concerns from commissioners about how to balance getting the work done correctly with bill collection procedures and use of private contractors.

The public works department is considering changing its policy to put the county in charge of most installations to avoid having to later correct work that damages county roads. Currently, property owners obtain a permit, and the owners are responsible for building the entrance to comply with the county’s standards.

Public works director Keith Browning said that out of about 40 entrances installed in a year, the county had to make repairs on about 10 because of damage, mostly related to drainage issues.

“I’m a strong believer that if there is work to be done on the county’s or the public’s right of way, then it should be done by qualified staff because it is our ownership property,” Commissioner Jere McElhaney said.

But commissioners also asked Browning to provide to them – at an upcoming meeting – examples of entrance construction in the last year and how the projects would be different if the county installed it.

Commissioners also discussed going to a licensing procedure that would require contractors to pass a test, similar to one for septic-system installers.

Also on Monday, commissioners delayed a decision until next week on language changes to the types of natural resources and environmentally sensitive areas that are protected in subdivision regulations. The changes are meant to provide more precise definitions and objective criteria, and the planning commission has recommended approval.

The item will be on the consent agenda for 8:30 a.m. Monday, to give one more opportunity for public comment.