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County engineer authorized to assess drainage district; removal estimate $30,000–$40,000
Summary
County Engineer Catherine Nicholas told the Board that proposed drainage district maintenance could require $30,000–$40,000 for tree and vegetation removal and about $2,500 annually thereafter; the Board authorized her to engage a surveyor and obtain contractor estimates to inform assessments paid by benefiting property owners.
The Black Hawk County Board on June 23 authorized County Engineer Catherine Nicholas to proceed with assessment work for a drainage district that the Board said has not had a full assessment in roughly 45 years.
Nicholas told supervisors the district may need one‑time tree and vegetation removal estimated at $30,000–$40,000, followed by ongoing annual maintenance of approximately $2,500. She advised the Board that expenditures exceeding $50,000 would require public notice and hearing, while smaller amounts do not. Nicholas said maintenance costs must be funded by property owners who benefit from the district through a tax levy.
Supervisor Tavis Hall moved and Supervisor Justin Brandt seconded a motion authorizing Nicholas to engage a surveyor, obtain contractor estimates and assess the condition of the drainage district to inform future action. The motion carried.
Next steps described in the meeting record include surveying the district, gathering contractor estimates and preparing materials for any required public notice or hearing if the total work exceeds the statutory threshold.
