Residents and commissioners call for changes to Michigan drain code after steep assessments in Eaton County

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.

Administrator's explanation and county limits

County administration told the board it has a constrained role: it must provide a budget and workspace for elected offices but cannot directly control an independently elected Drain Commissioner's assessment decisions. "You have a limited responsibility, like you have for every elected office," the administrator said. "You cannot control what the Drain Commissioner doesn't do or does."

Administration also described options the board could consider that do not require amending state law, such as making the county's extension of full faith and credit for drainage projects contingent on stricter local petition thresholds and reporting requirements. Officials said that approach would not change the state drain code but could alter county-level financing decisions tied to drainage projects.

Public concern and legislative outreach

Billig said multiple residents had tried to contact the Drain Commissioner without success and that some property owners face assessments they say they cannot pay. He said he had discussed the issue with state representatives and with staff members in the governor's office and was told bills had been introduced to seek change.

County administration said it has met with legislators, reviewed possible statutory revisions and drafted proposed policies to bring to the Legislature. The county also said it had requested and awaited an audit of the Drain Office and that more information would be made available when the audit is complete.

Board response and next steps

Commissioners and administration acknowledged the problem but emphasized that significant change likely requires legislative action in Lansing. Administrators said the board can require more frequent reporting from the Drain Office and can make local financial support for projects conditional on petition thresholds or other local policy changes in order to limit county exposure.

Ending

Speakers asked the board to press state leaders for code changes and to elevate drain-office transparency. County staff said they would continue to meet with the Drain Commissioner, legislators and stakeholders and would present options to the board as the audit and legislative work progress.