Supervisors discuss new drainage‑district assessment and multiyear vegetation plan

During a work‑session discussion June 2, Black Hawk County staff recommended creating a drainage‑district maintenance program funded by a special assessment to cover initial tree and brush removal and ongoing mowing.

County engineer Kathy Nicholas said the code allows the road department to perform the work if reimbursed and outlined a plan to survey right‑of‑way this fall, prepare an RFP for clearing and grubbing, and contract the initial clearing so regular maintenance (mowing twice a year) can follow. "We could most likely do that work," she said, and estimated routine mowing costs in the low‑thousands per year for the district while noting larger one‑time replacement projects could cost far more.

Treasurer/finance staff and the auditor's office (Tim) said new assessments require a public‑hearing process under Chapter 468; staff suggested using a separate special‑assessment bill or placing the charge on the regular property tax bill depending on administrative preference. Supervisors asked for outreach to district residents, cost estimates and a timetable; staff said they would meet internally and return with a proposed schedule and refined cost estimates within roughly two weeks for agenda follow‑up.

The board discussed whether the county could seed a maintenance fund (or loan initial funds) to avoid large immediate assessments, and asked staff to model multi‑year assessment options so the district would not need annual reassessment.

Supervisors emphasized the need for public engagement before levying assessments to ensure affected residents understand the cost and benefits.