Osceola County supervisors voted to hire ISG for a $2,500 drone survey to map repair needs for Drainage Districts 10 and 22. The engineer and a board member argued that a district‑wide aerial survey would identify washouts, erosion and beaver‑dam impacts and allow the county to scope and prioritize repairs rather than responding piecemeal.

Unidentified Speaker (S4), who presented the districts' repair needs, said droning would produce pin drops and map problem locations across both districts. He contrasted the $2,500 ISG quote with a local contractor quote of $3,500 for similar work and noted a full LIDAR/topographic survey would cost about $25,000. The board discussed whether internal resources or the county EMA could perform similar work but concluded contracting ISG was the faster option.

The board clarified that identifying repair needs may obligate the district to perform repairs; members noted an engineer authorization threshold (discussed in the meeting as roughly $50,000) above which the board would need to consider petitions or return for approval. Helmer moved the recommendation and Schulte seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.

Why it matters: The drone imagery will create a documented baseline of repair needs that may accelerate maintenance planning and influence whether the districts require larger repair petitions requiring additional approvals and funding.

What’s next: County staff will receive the ISG deliverables (pin drops and imagery) and decide whether to proceed with smaller repairs or bring larger repair proposals back to the board for authorization.