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Resident urges county and state action after steep drain assessments; commissioners say state code changes are under review
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Summary
A resident urged action on drain assessments that they described as 'antiquated and unfair,' citing family assessments of $20,000 to $200,000 and urging state legislative attention. County staff noted they provided feedback to state legislators on procurement and verification measures for the drain code.
During limited public comment, a resident told the Ways & Means Committee that drain assessments issued by the county Drain Commissioner are causing severe financial strain for families, describing assessments ranging from $20,000 to $200,000 and urging the county to push for state‑level reform and relief for affected taxpayers.
The commenter said the assessment process is antiquated and uneven, asked the county to seek legislative remedies, and said they have been contacting state representatives and building interest outside the county. The presentation occurred after administrators noted earlier in the meeting that Eaton County had provided feedback to the state about potential procurement and third‑party verification measures for drain projects and said the county supports transparency and cost‑control reforms.
Commissioners did not propose immediate county policy changes at the committee hearing but staff indicated they had supplied local perspectives to state legislators considering amendments to the drain code.
