Hancock County staff recommends reshaping swale in Hunter's Chase after residents report backups; cost estimate to follow

County drainage staff told the Hancock County drainage board on July 21 that a filled swale backing up surface water into a connected 8-inch tile system is causing wetter conditions and basement pump issues for multiple homes in the Hunter's Chase subdivision.

"It's affecting a number of land owners up the way and it's affecting most of that side of that subdivision," a staff member said, recommending the county reshape the swale using money available in the ditch fund. Staff said structures within the easement (mini-barns, landscaping, risers) likely would not be removed but some items would need to be moved to restore flow.

Commissioners asked whether risers or other structures would be impacted and whether a French drain exists; staff responded that risers are located on the north side and are not in the swale, and that the proposed work would focus on reshaping and clearing silt rather than returning the swale to pristine condition. Staff did not have a cost estimate on the record, saying the issue had arisen only the previous week and that staff would present an estimate at the next drainage board meeting in about two weeks.

Resident Ray Haggard identified himself during public comment and was prepared to describe conditions affecting eight homes on his side of Deerfield Drive. The board did not authorize immediate construction at the July 21 meeting but directed staff to obtain cost and scope estimates for a future decision.