Farmer Rory Walker asks whether assessments will pay for open ditch work, warns funds could be wasted

Rory Walker, of Walker Farms, asked the DeKalb County Drainage Board on Aug. 20 whether the proposed assessments would fund maintenance of the open ditch in addition to tile repairs and replacement.

"My first question would be does this money go towards the maintenance on the open drain too or does it stick with the tile?" Walker asked during the hearing. The surveyor responded that the money "goes to the full system ... because that will all be maintained out of that same" Reuben Sol system and acknowledged the funds "could be used towards" cleaning the open ditch.

Walker said he farms about 90% of the watershed and that he would have no problem with the assessment "if it's going towards the open drain," but he added a caution: "if this unified drainage deal goes through and we freeze the funds, we're wasting our money." The surveyor and board clarified during the Q&A that assessments are intended to support the full maintenance program for the combined unit.

The exchange highlighted a practical concern among affected landowners about how assessment revenues will be allocated and whether funds will be available for on-the-ground work such as cleaning open ditches. The board proceeded to adopt the surveyor's report and ordered the combination; the administrative assistant was directed to publish the final order.