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Residents decry large drain assessments; commissioners hear calls to change state drain law
Summary
Several Eaton County residents told the board that steep drain assessments were unfair and called for reform of the 1956 drain code; officials noted the county must pay its share of drain assessments.
Residents raising concerns at the Sept. 16 public hearing told Eaton County commissioners that recent drain assessments have saddled homeowners with unexpectedly large bills and urged changes to the drain code.
Jim Billig, who described having paid a $40,000 assessment, said he has homeowners facing assessments “$50,000 and higher” and called the current drain process “inexcusable.” Billig said he felt the county “watched it all happen” and asked whether audits had taken place at the Drain Commission and what action would follow.
County staff and Finance Director Melissa Ballard explained part of the county’s budget includes a “drain at large” payment that is the county’s share of drain assessments. Ballard said the county’s share is about $600,000 and that the total obligation shared with the road commission is roughly $1,200,000; the county previously issued bonds for part of the county drain bank to spread payments over time.
Why it matters: Commenters argued the 1956 state drain code concentrates assessment authority and produces large, often unexpected costs for property owners. County officials said the board has limited control over the statutory drain-assessment process but noted they are engaging the state on potential code changes.
Discussion vs. decision: The hearing recorded public frustration and staff explanations; the transcript does not record any formal action by the board to change the county’s approach to drain assessments during the provided session.
Next steps: Board members indicated the issue is on the county’s radar and that they will continue dialogue with state officials and the Drain Commission; no formal remedy or timeline was set in the recorded hearing.
