The Citrus County Commission was unanimous today in its decision to not join in Crystal River's lawsuit against a mining company based in Levy County.

The city has said that it is concerned that lime rock dust from the Tarmac Mine's truck traffic on U.S. 19 would be detrimental to city businesses and residents.

During discussion, county commissioners made their position clear.

County Commissioner Joe Meek said that any impact to traffic on U.S. 19 by the truck had been a topic of discussion at the county's Transportation Planning Organization, which he chairs. He said that one of the best alternatives to dealing with any additional truck traffic would be some sort of bypass around downtown Crystal River.

"I think that one of our best alternatives is the Suncoast Parkway," Meek said. "U.S. 19 is a truck route. For us to enter into a lawsuit is completely wrong. Are we only going to limit the Tarmac Mine trucks? What about propane trucks? What about garbage trucks?"

Meek added that he was reluctant to enter into a lawsuit with a sister county - Levy - over the issue, a county that has had an historically close working relationship with Citrus County.

County Commissioner Winn Webb said that if the mining company had paid their taxes to use U.S. 19, they should not be denied use of the roadway. He also said there wouldn't be much difference in traffic, either, when it was all said and done.

Commissioners Bays and Kenney said they agreed with Meek's points. Kenney added, " We don't want to do battle with the Board of County Commissioners in Levy County.

Commissioner Dennis Damato said "Whose interest is harmed?"

Crystal River Vice Mayor Ron Kitchen and County Commissioner Dennis Damato ab out what Kitchen said appeared to be an adversarial discussion at the county commission meeting. Kitchen clarified that the city Meek had made good points, and that the city will work with the TPO whenever that body takes up the issue of bypasses, and added that the lawsuit was not about suing one company.

"The city is not suing an individual company," Kitchen said. "All of the things you discussed are good points. The point that's being missed here, folks - if you have 500 trucks blowing lime dust near your home, you'd be upset about it. We listened to what the (city's) businesses had to say, and there was a large outcry. We said it affects our quality of life. This isn't emotional; we're listening to our citizens. It's not about suing the company," he said.

Meek said the board didn't mean to be adversarial, but added, "But given the facts of the matter, I don't see where we have any standing. I think we can work together as a community and as a TPO to move us into the future."