Fort Branch resident urges cleanup of blocked ditch; officials say regulated drains differ from private ditches

A Fort Branch property owner urged officials to address a clogged ditch that he says is backing up and causing erosion on his nearly one-acre parcel.

"My name's Larry Sprinkle. I own the property in, Union Township, city of Fort Branch," said Larry Sprinkle (Speaker 5), who described a ditch that "gets very little" flow because runoff from nearby businesses and apartments funnels into it. He said trees and brush have narrowed the channel, causing debris to back up onto neighboring property and noted he keeps the ditch mowed and has photographs from June 22 showing the condition.

Committee members and staff discussed jurisdiction and ownership. Chair (Speaker 2) and other members said the ditch is inside Fort Branch city limits and is not a regulated drain under county control. "We own the regulated ditches," Chair Speaker 2 said, adding that the county collects assessments only on regulated drains and that many local ditches are privately owned. A committee member noted that responsibility for the particular stretch appears to lie with adjacent landowners rather than the county.

Why it matters: Blocked ditches can raise flood and erosion risk for adjacent properties and public right-of-way. Mr. Sprinkle requested guidance on who is responsible for clearing and maintaining the channel; staff suggested he bring materials to the office for follow-up and offered to assist with next steps.

The transcript records the public comment and a clarification on jurisdiction; there was no formal directive or vote in the provided segments.