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Drain Commissioner showcases new permit database to improve erosion and fund tracking
Summary
Oceana County Drain Commissioner Michelle Martin demonstrated a new digital database that centralizes permits, inspections, photos and financial records for individual drains to improve permit management and reporting; she said permit fees are set by the Board and require EGLE approval.
Michelle Martin, Oceana County Drain Commissioner, presented a comprehensive overview of the Drain Commissioner’s Office functions and demonstrated a new database designed to modernize permit and erosion management.
Martin said the database provides digital access to every permit-related document, searchable by landowner name, and includes applications, permits, inspection notes, photos, fees and contractor information. She emphasized that each drain has its own fund so that financial activity for a drain can be tracked separately, and that reports can be generated from the system to support administration and transparency.
Commissioner Hardy asked how permit fees are set; Martin replied that the Board of Commissioners sets permit fees and that the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) must approve fee schedules. Martin also noted the Drain Commissioner serves on county lake boards and that the new system addresses prior shortcomings in recordkeeping for soil erosion permits.
The Properties, Environment and Economic Development Committee received the presentation during its Jan. 23 meeting and voiced support for the improved recordkeeping and reporting capabilities.
No immediate financial ask accompanied the demonstration; implementation details such as rollout schedule, training and ongoing maintenance were not specified in the meeting minutes.
