Drain commissioner reports rising workload, signals request to boost drain revolving fund

Drain Commissioner Bill Hunzys presented the office’s 2025 annual report and told the Clinton County Board of Commissioners that maintenance demands and permit activity are increasing. He said staff manage over 665 county and intercounty drains and nearly 1,100 miles of county drain network — about 795 miles of open ditch and 295 miles of tile and storm sewer — and noted the office cleaned almost 11 miles of open ditch in 2025 and more than 7 miles so far in 2026.

Hunzys said crossing permits have surged, rising 146% from 86 in 2014 to 214 last year, which has strained staff time and inspection capacity. He also cited PA 237, which increased the statutory per‑mile maintenance cap from $5,000 to $10,000 and ties future increases to inflation; as of the report the cap is $10,490 per mile. Noting that higher statutory limits do not necessarily make repairs affordable for small drainage districts, Hunzys said he expects to ask the board later this year to raise the Drain Revolving Fund above the current $250,000 to improve cash flow and reduce borrowing.

Commissioners asked about coordination on large waterways such as the Looking Glass River and multi‑county log‑jam removal; Hunzys said downstream cleanup requires township participation and intercounty cooperation because multiple counties and the state are involved. He also described use of an ArcGIS field app to document inspections and said MDOT had advanced funds for two culvert replacements expected to be built in 2027.

The report included details on petitioned work completed in 2025, tile-replacement mileage, and staffing changes; Hunzys identified his deputy and engineering staff by name in the report.