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Franklin County tables Drainage District 3 cleanup after engineer estimates $253,550 project
Summary
After an engineering presentation showing silt buildup and a lowered hard pan, Franklin County supervisors tabled a full clean-out of the District 3 main open ditch and ordered a survey of the upstream reach; the engineer estimated a probable construction cost of $253,550, with the district bearing the majority of the assessment.
Franklin County supervisors on Tuesday opened a public hearing on proposed repairs to the main open ditch in Drainage District 3 and, after questions from landowners and an engineering presentation, voted to table a full construction project and order a survey of the upper reach.
An engineer presenting the district report said field investigations found the upper end of the ditch over‑excavated 2–3 feet below its 1971 design grade, creating a stair‑step “hard pan” that traps silt and prevents tile outlets from discharging properly. The consultant said restoring a constant grade by deepening the upper reach would reduce siltation and improve outlets.
The report included an opinion of probable construction cost of $253,550 for the work described in the engineer’s scope, with the secondary‑roads authority’s share for the road crossing estimated at $15,675 and the remaining $237,875 allocated to the drainage district. The board and speakers repeatedly cautioned that the number is an estimate and that final assessments would be calculated only after a full survey and bidding process.
Landowners asked how much the work would add to individual assessments and whether extending the project farther upstream — toward the interstate — would change local costs. County staff and the engineer said a complete survey of the upper reach could be completed in roughly 30 days (weather permitting), after which the board could set a hearing and finalize assessment calculations. Officials estimated construction could occur over the coming winter or next summer and noted landowners would likely not see final bills until 2027 under the usual project and warrant schedule.
After public comment and discussion, the supervisors voted to exit the public hearing, table the project as presented and direct engineering staff to survey the upstream extent to the interstate and return with a combined cost estimate and new assessment sheets. Staff said the board could reconvene a public hearing in two to three months once survey data is available.
The board emphasized the decision was procedural — to gather fuller data — not an approval to proceed with construction. The motion to table and order the survey passed by voice vote.
The county will publish notice of the follow‑up hearing once the engineer’s survey and updated cost/assessment materials are complete.
