Board debates assessment increases and hears river basin commission advise on Juday Creek oversight

St. Joseph County commissioners discussed proposed changes to ditch assessments and whether those increases will require public hearings, and they heard from the Saint Joseph River Basin Commission about longstanding local review practices for Juday Creek projects.

Board members said landowners will be notified of assessment changes and noted that a subset of increases may require a public hearing depending on the magnitude of the change. Several speakers referenced thresholds, including a 45% figure and a one‑time 25% increase rule discussed by a river basin representative.

Matt Meersman, director of the Saint Joseph River Basin Commission, told the board the river commission and a Juday Creek task force have historically provided technical guidance—health departments, the surveyor’s office, engineers, and academics have served on that group. He said the task force itself has no regulatory power but that the drainage board typically solicits the task force’s advice before approving projects on Juday Creek and its tributaries.

Meersman said the Juday Creek group has helped shape mitigation measures, for example asking for cold-water discharges or oxygenation during dewatering to protect fish and water quality. He encouraged board members to involve the task force on Juday Creek‑related permits and noted the task force is easily amended to add additional representatives.

Board members agreed to double‑check statutory/administrative thresholds and documentation before scheduling hearings or implementing assessment changes.