Board moves to advertise $3-per-acre proposal for Kauffman ditch after public hearing

The Kosciusko County Drainage Board voted to advertise a proposed assessment-rate increase for the Kauffman ditch after hearing public comment at its meeting. Jim, a staff member who presented the proposal, told the board the district needs roughly $35,000 over the next three to five years for tile replacements, brush work and nuisance-animal control and recommended raising the rate to $3 per acre with a $35 minimum.

The move follows Jim’s overview of current finances: the district collects about $22,000 annually at the existing rate of $1.94 per acre with a $25 minimum, and currently shows about a $3,000 negative balance. Jim said the last rate change occurred in 2002 and that state law caps a ditch fund at a four-year accumulation, which limits how large the balance may become.

Members of the public at the hearing expressed a mix of support and questions. Teresa Reed, who identified herself during public comment, said she supports the ditch work but asked that natural wetland areas be preserved: “I am here in support of the ditch … but I do request that we maintain the biomes of the nature Swamp,” Reed said. A resident who identified himself as Von Frieden questioned whether funds collected for one ditch can be used elsewhere; Jim responded that each ditch has its own separate account and money collected in one watershed cannot be spent in another.

Farmer Brian Martin told the board he supports the increase but urged transparency and clearer scheduling: “I’m tired of being next. Let’s get it done, especially if we’re going to be paying more,” Martin said, pressing staff to explain recent projects and how the county prioritizes repairs. Jim pointed to major work performed in spring 2024 in the area and described a county effort to inventory ditches and rate their condition so future investments can be targeted.

After discussion the board member moved to set the advertised rate at $3 per acre with a $35 minimum and a four-year maximum fund balance; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The board also noted one written opposition from Tammy Rich, who objected by e-mail saying two of her parcels flood and are not connected to any drain.

Next steps: the board authorized advertisement of the proposed rate so the change can follow notice requirements and return to the board for final action after the required publicity and any additional hearings or comment periods.