A Franklin County landowner said a recent drainage tile project has left several ponds on the west side of a field while the east side remains dry, and asked county officials to investigate whether a tile connection was missed. The concern came during the public-comment portion of the Board of Supervisors meeting.
The landowner described seeing “5 or 6” ponds on the west side of the road where previously there had been two and said the new drainage “is staying wetter than I thought it should.” A county representative said staff already has contacted the project engineer by email and will follow up after the meeting, and noted the county believes the installation carries a two-year warranty.
Why it matters: the speaker said the wetter ground may make the land harder to rent and could reduce its value for cropping. County staff said heavy recent rains complicate field inspections and repairs but that the engineer will be asked to confirm whether all tile lines were connected and whether a road crossing or intake is malfunctioning.
During the comment, the landowner asked whether GPS points or a report show where tile lines were connected; county staff said they would request the engineer’s report and try to provide a copy so the owner can compare it with his maps. The board member who responded said missed connections have occurred on other projects and that a missed tile or a problem at a road crossing could produce the pattern described.
Board staff also said the contractor and engineer have been on site at times and that, if an unconnected or misconnected tile is found within the warranty period, the contractor would be required to return and fix it. The county representative: “I sent him an email this morning so we can try to figure out,” and later, “if a year from now they find a tile that wasn't connected, they gotta come out and fix it.”
The board requested staff follow up with the engineer and provide the field report to the landowner. A county staff member said he would call the engineer if there is no response to the email.
The discussion was a public comment and did not include any formal board motion or vote.
Looking ahead: staff said they will attempt to get the engineer’s report to the landowner and evaluate whether adding an intake or correcting a road crossing is needed; the county noted project warranty terms when describing next steps.