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Resident presses Washington County for flood repairs and financial help after road work left her home flooded
Summary
A Washington County resident told supervisors the county—ailed to install culvert covers and regrading she expected, leaving her home flooded and seeking $17,000 in repairs; the board nd county attorney said a tort claim must be filed before the county can consider compensation and promised to locate the covers and provide a timeline.
A Washington County resident told the Board of Supervisors at Tuesday—ivil session that recent road work and alleged failures to install culvert covers left her home flooded and displaced, and she asked the county for help rebuilding an estimated $17,000 in damage.
The complaint, delivered by Miss Brooks during the public-comment portion, said the county pproved and ordered culvert covers on April 27 but they had not been installed. Brooks said the regrading and asphalt used on a county road altered water flow onto her property and that the county id not maintain nearby ditches, contributing to flooding. "I shouldn't have to wake up to water in my house," Brooks said during the meeting.
County officials responded that staff would locate the covers, confirm delivery and installation timing, and report back to Brooks. County Attorney (on-record counsel) told the board the legal process limits what the board can do before a tort claim is filed: the county cannot consider reimbursement or awards until it receives a formal claim that identifies alleged negligence, the damages sought and the estimated amount.
Board members said they sympathize with affected residents and, if an investigation finds the county at fault, the board would consider remedies within legal limits. "If it's found that the county has exposure... we'll make sure you're made whole on that determination," one supervisor said. At the same time, several supervisors cautioned they must follow statutory process and defer to counsel to avoid unwarranted commitments.
The board asked staff to confirm whether the ordered culvert covers were in production or delivery and to provide Brooks with a timeline before the end of the day. The attorney also advised staff to preserve investigative reports and follow ordinance procedures; Hooker Engineering nd other investigative materials were referenced as part of the file the county will review.
Next steps: supervisors told Brooks they will attempt to provide a clear schedule for when covers will be installed and asked the attorney to advise on the permit and tort-claim steps for any potential financial remedy. The board did not vote on any compensation at Tuesday's meeting.
