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Commissioners deny Sturbridge Meadows ditch petition after resident opposition to $1.1M estimate
Summary
Fairfield County commissioners voted unanimously to deny a petition proposing drainage improvements in Sturbridge Meadows after residents testified the work would not benefit many properties and an engineer estimated the project at about $1.1 million.
The Fairfield County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Aug. 4 to deny a ditch petition for Sturbridge Meadows after hearing multiple residents oppose the proposed drainage improvements.
Commissioner Jeff Fix moved to deny the petition, citing excessive cost relative to anticipated benefits; Commissioner David Levacy seconded the motion and Commissioner Steve Davis joined the unanimous voice vote. County Engineer Jeremiah Upp told the Board the engineer’s report recommended denial and said the current estimate for the project was "approximately $1.1 million," which would be apportioned to assessed properties under the statutory formula. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Amy Brown-Thompson advised that, if approved, the decision would have been subject to a 30-day appeal period.
Opponents who provided testimony during the hearing said the project would not benefit their properties and would impose unaffordable assessments. Chris Matheny of Wayside Drive said, "I did not believe the proposed project would provide any benefit to my property as it is not affected by drainage from the farmland." Tom Marthaller of Wayside Drive testified that "few property owners would benefit" and raised concerns about retired residents' ability to absorb costs. Dale Sunderland said at age 82 he could not afford the anticipated assessment and that the proposals would require removal of his garage and mature trees.
After the vote Commissioner Davis said the decision was difficult and explained the Board concluded the petition did not meet all statutory criteria under the Ohio Revised Code. He reminded attendees that the Board’s denial can be appealed within 30 days.
