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Drain commissioner flags incorrect figure, presents annual report and assessment details
Summary
Bernie Barnes, Gratiot County drain commissioner, presented the drain commission annual report, corrected an erroneous intercounty borrowing figure to $187,542.68, and explained assessment practices tied to drainage districts and parcel acreage.
Bernie Barnes, identified in the meeting as the Gratiot County Drain Commissioner, presented the commission’s annual report and pointed to a numerical error in the draft. "That is incorrect ... The correct number there is $187,542.68," Barnes said, referring to an intercounty borrowing figure that had been carried over in the report.
Barnes told commissioners that the drain commission’s revenues are slightly up in part because of a culvert project (the transcript cites a "96 drain culverts" project). He said the county has not experienced large rain events this year, which reduces repair-driven spending, and that bond and intercounty projects were lower compared with the prior year. Barnes also described how assessments are apportioned within drainage districts: parcels are charged proportionally by acreage, and larger parcels carry proportionally larger shares of maintenance costs, while the commission tries to keep per-acre assessments "in the $8 to $12 per acre" range when possible.
The board moved and approved a motion to accept the yearly drain commission report by voice vote.
Next steps: Barnes said he will follow up on any questions and will provide exhibit materials and township-specific drain assessments on request.
