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Stormwater staff win encumbrances and outline fee proposal; board to meet council on rate
Summary
Warrick County stormwater staff received board approval to encumber funds for equipment and projects, approved an erosion‑control contract and a vehicle transfer, and discussed a proposed monthly stormwater fee (staff will seek county council consideration in February).
Stormwater staff presented a set of 2025–2026 encumbrance requests and operational items to the Warrick County Drainage Board and received approval on multiple items and a contract rollover.
The board approved encumbering about $60,000 for equipment (including a wireless radio for a new dump truck and future supplies). The board also approved encumbering approximately $215,000 for planned 2026 drainage improvement projects — including work at York Ridge, Stonegate, Westwood A and B and Colonial Hills — and a minor encumbrance of roughly $343 for motor supplies.
Staff presented the 2025 MS4 annual project summary (prepared by staff member Jennifer) as an informational item, noting inspections, outreach and audit work completed during the year. The board approved rolling over the erosion‑control inspector contract for 2026 at an annual cap of about $68,000 after a motion and second and approved transfer of a 2015 single‑axle dump truck from stormwater to the highway department under the fixed asset notification process.
Board members then revisited a proposed stormwater monthly fee. Staff said the Baker Tilly study recommended a fee of $8.50 per month to meet service needs; county council had denied the earlier $8.50 proposal and the board had previously endorsed $7.50. Council members reportedly indicated they would be more receptive to a $6–$6.50 per month proposal. Board members discussed political palatability and timing; staff said they plan to meet individually with council members in January and try to present a proposal to council in February. Staff noted any revenue benefit would lag (staff said roughly two years) and that projects and costs will continue to rise.
Next steps: staff will meet with county council members individually, model the revenue and timing implications of smaller fee proposals, and seek a February council agenda slot; any county council action will be required to change the stormwater fee.
