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Private drainage engineers outline $2.1 million DD20 tile project, estimate fees under 5%
Summary
A two‑person drainage engineering firm presented a DD20 tile improvement project estimated at $2.1 million with proposed engineering fees around $95,000 (≈4.5%). They described outreach, survey and phased construction observation and said they plan informal landowner meetings to shape the design.
Two principals from Grama, a Perry‑based drainage engineering firm, presented to the Franklin County Board of Supervisors about drainage district work and a DD20 tile improvement project.
The presenters said the DD20 total project was estimated at $2,100,000 and that their fees for report, plans, reclassification/annexation and construction observation were estimated about $95,000 — "less than 5% total," they said. They emphasized public outreach, recommending informal landowner meetings before the public hearing so district residents understand options and individual cost shares. The presenters also described practical steps (topo and in‑house surveys, geolocated photo documentation of connections, and random on‑site inspections during construction) as a way to provide value while containing owner costs.
Landowner and supervisor concerns focused on cost allocation and inspection intensity. The engineers said they provide a breakdown of individual shares and would tailor inspection frequency to balance oversight and costs. "If you're gonna spend a thousand dollars an acre, you really should get a pretty good idea before you do it," one presenter said, noting they include per‑owner cost shares in reports.
Why it matters: Many county drainage systems are more than a century old and require periodic replacement or improvement. The DD20 project and similar tile work carry direct costs to affected landowners and shape flood/drainage performance across farmed acres.
What’s next: The board accepted the presentation; the engineers said they would attend the upcoming public hearing(s) and finalize reports and cost breakdowns for board review. Supervisors approved routine drainage claims later in the meeting.
