Kokomo board affirms Barrett Law assessment for Jefferson Street sewer extension after homeowner raises yard-settling complaint

The Kokomo Board of Public Works and Safety on March 4 confirmed the final assessment tied to Barrett Law Resolution 202502 for the Jefferson Street sanitary sewer extension, after hearing a homeowner complain that recent sewer work caused his yard to sink.

The hearing opened at the board meeting, where the presiding officer read the public-hearing notice and described the assessment and how property owners will be notified. Homeowner Jim Schoffner of 2625 West Jefferson told the board he has “about a three foot trench in my yard where the yard has sunk” and said crews have backfilled twice but the yard “just keeps going down.” He said he has photographs and asked that the yard be fixed before proceeding with hookups and payments.

Keith, identified in the meeting as the city’s sewer system manager, told Schoffner that once the issue is known he will contact the contractor and have them “come out and kind of refresh the yard” where the contractor performed the hookup. Keith also said he had paperwork attendees could sign after the meeting to begin the hookup process and that the city would send a follow-up letter. The Chair and Keith said they would provide contractor contact information.

After the public comment, board member Nita moved to approve Barrett Law Resolution 202502 (Jefferson Street Sanitary Sewer Extension, Phase 1, assessment E.2404 1A). The Chair seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.

The board’s action confirms the final assessment to be levied on properties benefiting from the Jefferson Street sewer extension; the homeowner’s complaint will be handled through the engineering staff’s follow-up with the contractor, the board said. The hearing record shows the city staff offering to provide paperwork, contact information, and a letter to affected property owners as next steps.