Board urges action on Roper Bayou ditch; directs staff to coordinate with drainage commission

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Miss. — The Washington County Board of Supervisors spent substantial time on Aug. 23 discussing longstanding drainage problems at Roper Bayou (Drainage Ditch No. 2) and nearby areas, including recurring overflow from a landfill retaining pond and erosion that residents say damages county roads.

Multiple supervisors and residents reported repeated requests for ditch clearing over several years and expressed frustration that previous studies or preliminary work did not lead to a permanent fix. One supervisor pressed staff to avoid repeating prior work and asked the county engineer to review past Burley Engineering materials before proposing new actions.

County counsel and staff explained that the county is limited in its authority to enter private properties and perform ditch work unless the responsible drainage commission makes a formal request or there is demonstrated imminent damage to county roads or property. Board members noted the Washington County Drainage Commission may have right-of-way authority and suggested the county coordinate with the drainage commission to use its established procedures and, where appropriate, existing agreements that allow the county to act on the drainage commission’s behalf.

Supervisors directed staff to contact John Beard (a drainage commission contact named during the meeting) and to ask the drainage commission to inspect the ditch and return with a recommended plan. One supervisor suggested short‑term work using county equipment to relieve immediate problems while the longer plan is prepared. The board asked staff to report back at the next regular meeting with a plan and timetable.

Ending Board members emphasized the need for a coordinated approach with the drainage commission and county engineers; staff will contact the drainage commission, compile previous engineering work, and return with a recommended short‑ and long‑term plan for Roper Bayou.