Commissioners approve $12M bond for bank drain improvements in Eaton County

The Eaton County Board of Commissioners convened on April 16, 2025, to address several pressing issues, primarily focusing on drainage improvements and budget amendments. The meeting commenced with discussions surrounding the ongoing flooding concerns in the area, with Commissioner Chris Arndt highlighting the persistent complaints from constituents regarding the Drain Commission's accountability and response to flooding incidents. He emphasized the importance of addressing these issues promptly to avoid escalating costs in the future.

Commissioner Pearl Wright acknowledged the efforts made to secure funding for drainage improvements, noting a successful acquisition of $5 million, although an additional request for federal funding was not met. The discussion underscored the historical context of flooding issues in the region, with references to past experiences and the need for proactive measures to prevent future complications.

The board then moved to a vote on a resolution concerning the bank inter-county drain financing options. Commissioner Drosius introduced a motion to adopt a notice of intent for a capital improvement bond, which would allow the county to issue bonds not exceeding $12 million for the project. The resolution passed unanimously, indicating strong support among the commissioners for the proposed financing strategy.

Following this, the commissioners reviewed budget amendments for the fiscal year 2024-2025, which included adjustments to the position allocation list for the Parks Department. The amendments were approved without opposition, reflecting a consensus on the need for organizational adjustments within the department.

The meeting concluded with a presentation from Chris Mattson of the Spicer Group regarding the Intercounty Drain Project. He provided updates on the project timeline, indicating that pre-construction meetings would occur in early June, with construction activities expected to ramp up shortly thereafter. Mattson also addressed property owner concerns regarding assessment amounts, assuring that adjustments had been made based on feedback received during public reviews.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to addressing drainage issues and ensuring fiscal responsibility in managing county resources. The next steps involve the implementation of the approved resolutions and continued engagement with constituents regarding ongoing projects and improvements.