Planning staff: First Financial to hire contractor to address Jefferson Estates pond; city reports manhole-raising work

Planning staff Joanna told the Board of Public Works and Safety that First Financial recently acknowledged ownership of the pond at Jefferson Estates/Jefferson Meadows, noted an outstanding county tax bill of a little over $10,000, and said the company is hiring a contractor to assess maintenance and drainage problems.

Joanna said the issue had surfaced during plan commission and city council review and that First Financial did not previously realize the extent of city notices and code enforcement activity. She said the firm is moving to hire a contractor to identify problems and make repairs. Board members said they welcome the development and noted prior city maintenance was limited to abatement-level actions when necessary.

Separately, a public-works speaker (Sally) reported the city has raised about 30 manholes across Paris Estates, Fairway Lakes, Heritage, and Jefferson Meadows to ensure crews can access sewers and reduce emergency calls; the work continues as staff has downtime.

Next steps: planning staff will monitor contractor engagement by First Financial and public-works crews will continue manhole-raising operations as scheduled.