Commissioners debate raising drain revolving fund; vote postponed for further review

Water Resources Commissioner Stephanie Barrett told the board the proposed increase in the drain revolving fund would let the office cover routine maintenance projects without short‑term borrowing that adds legal and interest costs to assessments.

Barrett explained that the revolving fund is used for maintenance projects and short‑term borrowing for petitions; she said the office is responsible for posting notices and following state law for petition projects and that increasing the fund would reduce the frequency of borrowing that adds bond attorney fees and interest to residents' assessments. Dallas Goldberg, Barrett’s deputy, outlined FY2025 activity: three petition projects, nine minor maintenance projects, 52 county drain inspections and 119 catch basin cleanings.

Commissioners pressed for more transparency and expressed concern about allowing one department to use revolving funds without the county’s full procurement procedures. Several commissioners requested documentation showing how the fund is used, how peer counties manage their funds and assurances about sole‑source processes when only one vendor bids. Staff said they had met with finance and procurement staff and would provide documentation; finance director Angela Gashevsky clarified that delinquent tax anticipation notes typically payout in about 18 months when asked about bond timing.

After extended discussion about timing and process — including comparisons to revolving fund balances in nearby counties — a motion to postpone the decision until the next Ways & Means meeting carried. Commissioners directed staff to return with more detailed documentation and cost comparisons before any transfer of general‑fund dollars to the drain revolving fund.