The Grant County Drainage Board opened a public hearing on the proposed Stovey (sometimes called Stobie) tile assessment and on whether to place the ditch on maintenance. The board presented advertised rates — $50 per acre, $200 per home site, $400 commercial, $100 per parcel — with a projected annual assessment of $20,539.50.

Multiple residents spoke at length, questioning the size of the per-home assessment compared with other local projects, noting historic lack of regular maintenance and asking for itemized invoices. Steve Hoskins and several other attendees said prior work had been infrequent and that some neighborhood properties have septic systems tied into the old tile. Residents described long-standing drainage and sewage confusion and urged the board to show invoices and explain how funds previously spent were allocated. One resident said she owned multiple vacant lots and worried about paying $400 annually on a fixed income.

Board members explained the ditch has had occasional repairs paid from the general drain improvement fund and that $33,000 had been spent on this tile since 2012; staff said they would locate and provide invoices. After public comment, a motion was made and seconded to put Stobie (Stovey) on maintenance and to adopt the advertised rates; the board voted by voice and the motion carried.

Board members said funds collected for this assessment will be restricted to work on the Stobie tile and that future work will be phased as money becomes available, beginning at the lowest point of the ditch and progressing as funds permit. Staff will compile historical invoices and continue outreach to affected landowners about payment mechanics and options such as parcel consolidation for assessment purposes.

The board noted implementation will be a multi-year effort and that many drainage and sewer issues stem from legacy systems; it advised residents to consult the assessor’s office about combining lots to lower individual assessments.