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Supervisors weigh $35,000 clearing and recurring maintenance as drainage assessment option
Summary
Board discussed plans to clear trees and brush in a drainage district (engineer estimated ~$35,000) and to formalize a multi‑year maintenance assessment or fund for recurring mowing (estimated $2,000–$3,000/year); staff outlined steps for survey, public hearing, and billing options.
Blackhawk County supervisors spent a portion of their June 2 work session reviewing options to address long‑deferred maintenance in a local drainage district, including one‑time clearing and multi‑year maintenance funding.
County engineer Kathy Nicholas presented an estimated cost for initial tree and brush removal (approximately $35,000) and discussed a plan to issue an RFP in the fall for clearing and grubbing once crops are out. She said routine mowing twice a year would likely cost about $2,000–$3,000 annually.
Staff and legal counsel described the statutory process to place a new assessment under Iowa law (chapter discussed as Chapter 468), which typically requires surveying, mapping, and a public hearing. Finance and treasurer staff said the county can bill as a separate special assessment or include it on property tax bills; historically the county has used separate special assessment bills. Supervisor discussion focused on whether to create a county‑held fund to front initial costs and amortize assessments over multiple years to avoid frequent reassessments.
Tim (treasurer/finance staff) said he updated the original 1979 schedule of benefits into current legal descriptions and ownership records as a first step. Kathy said the road/engineer’s office could perform or manage the initial clearing and subsequent maintenance if reimbursed from an assessment fund; she estimated a fall procurement timetable to secure contractors for initial work. Board members urged public outreach to district residents before assessments are finalized and asked staff to return with a proposed timeline and cost breakdown.
No formal vote was taken; staff committed to draft an outline of the assessment process, refine cost estimates and return to the board with a recommended schedule and public‑meeting plan within a few weeks.
