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Antrim County asks Charlevoix to join Six-Mile Lake special assessment district over dam, sediment concerns
Summary
Antrim County officials told the Charlevoix County Board of Commissioners that the Bellaire Dam and Chain of Lakes face long-deferred maintenance and proposed a Special Assessment District to fund engineering and repairs; Antrim says it has spent about $1.5 million on planning and is asking Charlevoix to designate a delegated authority to participate.
Leslie Myers, Antrim County Drain Commissioner, told the Charlevoix County Board of Commissioners during its July 8 meeting that the Bellaire Dam has had minimal routine maintenance since 1974 and “is not expected to withstand a 100-year flood event.” She said the Ellsworth culvert was constructed about 70 years ago as a temporary measure and that the Chain of Lakes has not been dredged in more than 70 years.
Myers said Antrim County has spent approximately $1.5 million on engineering, research and planning to date and is not seeking reimbursement for those costs. She warned that project costs could increase significantly if environmental contamination is identified. Jeremy Scott, Antrim County Administrator, participated in the presentation and answered procedural questions about forming a Special Assessment District (SAD) and possible next steps.
Myers asked Charlevoix County to adopt a resolution designating a delegated authority to participate in the proposed Six-Mile Lake SAD; Antrim County offered to serve as the delegated authority or Charlevoix may appoint its own. Myers said that without Charlevoix County’s participation the current lake-level order would not include Ellsworth, St. Clair and Six Mile Lake, which could affect any future repair or regulatory actions.
Members of the public had already raised Six Mile Lake during the meeting’s public comment periods. Several townships and residents from Antrim County and South Arm Township had urged attention to lake levels and infrastructure before the presentation. The board did not adopt a decision on participation during the meeting; Myers’ presentation framed the technical scope, the financial posture to date and the need for intercounty coordination if repairs move forward.
