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Residents and commissioners call for changes to Michigan drain code after steep assessments in Eaton County
Summary
Public commenters and county administration said the state's drain code limits the board's ability to address large assessments; residents described personal financial hardship and urged legislative change while the county said it is limited to budgeting and reporting actions.
Residents urged Eaton County commissioners on Aug. 20 to press for changes to Michigan's drain law after several speakers described large assessments and difficulty reaching the Drain Commissioner.
Jim Billig, a longtime county resident, told commissioners his family and others were facing large drain assessments. "The total owed for 2 drains is $40,000," Billig said. "I did not get a chance to vote on this issue."
Why it matters: Drain assessments are legally separate from the county general fund. Commissioners and administration described the board's limited statutory authority over the Drain Commissioner's decisions and assessments, but said the county can take administrative steps and pursue legislative changes to the drain code.
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