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Board discusses extending payback, state 10% interest, and limited grant options
Summary
County representatives said they are exploring lowering landowner bills by extending payback periods (10–20 years) and asking commissioners to contribute funds, but noted state law currently mandates a 10% interest rate and that few federal or state grants exist for county regulated drains.
DeKalb County representatives told the hearing they are considering two principal ways to reduce immediate landowner payments: a county contribution to the reconstruction cost and an extension of the payback term. A county representative said extending payments from the regular five years toward 10 or 20 years would lower annual payments but flagged a state‑mandated 10% interest rate as a constraint. "The problem is that the state mandates a 10% interest rate, and I've contacted our state legislatures more than once asking that the state legislature change that," the representative said.
Staff said they have searched for state and federal grants but found little available for county regulated drains and encouraged residents to share leads. The board proposed asking commissioners to commit roughly $178,000 to reduce per‑acre assessments to $1,000 and to reconvene after the commissioners’ meeting so any commitment can be formalized.
