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Utility service board to set aside $10,000 monthly for Prairie Creek projects; drainage board to coordinate
Summary
The Frankfort-area utility service board told the Clinton County Drainage Board it will set aside $10,000 per month starting January 2026 to fund Prairie Creek watershed projects, pay contractors directly to avoid interlocal transfers, and coordinate field work and grants with county staff.
During the meeting, Speaker 3 introduced continued discussion around the Prairie Creek Watershed. Speaker 4, representing the utility service board, said the utility plans to set aside $10,000 each month beginning in January 2026 to be designated for Prairie Creek watershed projects and that the utility would pay contractors directly when needed to avoid interlocal agreement complications. "Every month starting, or I'm sorry, every month starting in January 2026, we're going to, set aside $10,000 a month to be designated for projects, in the Prairie Creek watershed," Speaker 4 said.
Speaker 4 said the fund will accumulate in perpetuity (the plan is to continue savings until the partners decide to use the money) and that the utility is willing to provide equipment and crew support for clearing blockages, tree limbs and other work. Speaker 3 confirmed that the county’s drainage code allows billing the utility for its share on eligible projects and said he expects no legal obstacles under that code.
Speaker 4 reported Krista (staff) is already researching OCCA grant opportunities and potential collaboration with the drainage board on stormwater projects. Speaker 5 added the utility had created a budget line item (described as Prairie Creek Maintenance) and said, under the $10,000/month plan, "it's gonna have a balance of 120,000 starting with 2027."
Board members discussed ways to memorialize the partnership in writing — short-form resolutions or budget language rather than a formal interlocal agreement — to ensure future boards understand expectations while preserving operational flexibility. Speakers agreed to follow up (Speaker 4 offered to speak with Alicia to discuss documentation) and to include the utility early in project discussions.
