Stormwater board approves septic assistance decisions, hires mapping task order and hears City of Elkhart stormwater manager's retirement

The Elkhart County Department of Stormwater Management on Oct. 27 approved two cost‑share decisions for septic system repairs, authorized a task order with Ecopia Tech Corporation to map impervious surfaces for MS4 partners, and heard a retirement announcement from the City of Elkhart's stormwater manager.

Elise Boff of the Elkhart County Health Department presented the first application for a subsurface gravity trench system at 57933 Quebec Street (transcript: "Naukhart"). She said three adults live in the home, one receives Social Security ($22,236 reported for 2024) and another receives SSI; the department had no prior permitted septic system record, and surface sewage and a deep dry well were found. Boff said the lowest estimate to replace the system was $9,000 and that 2025 funding guidelines provide full contingent grant assistance up to $9,000 for qualifying low‑income households. The board approved full assistance as recommended.

The second application concerned a pressure distribution septic replacement at 22909 Catawba Court in Goshen. Boff said the household has two adults and one child and reported adjusted gross income of $106,780 for 2024. Under the funding chart, households for three people with income above $79,950 are not eligible for contingent grant assistance, though applicants may request an exception. Commissioners debated options including partial grant, partial loan or a full loan. One commissioner said they were not inclined to provide a grant because the owner purchased the home without an inspection. The board approved a motion to offer a 100% county loan at the program maximum interest rate of 4% instead of a grant.

Separately, Steve Olsen, the county attorney, presented a task order under an existing contract with Ecopia Tech Corporation to use licensed imagery and software to identify impervious surfaces for MS4 partners. Olsen said the year‑one cost is $54,300, with estimated year‑two and year‑three costs of $38,000 each for a total of $130,300; additional imagery from the vendor would carry a 25% upcharge. He said the expense will be shared among MS4 partners and that the county has budgeted funds. The board approved the task order unanimously.

Finally, Joe Foy, stormwater manager for the City of Elkhart, announced he will retire from the city effective Oct. 31. Foy thanked the board for its partnership over nearly two decades and named interim points of contact from his office.