Carroll County hires drainage counsel to review 'Drain 77' area under a limited MOU

Carroll County supervisors approved a memorandum of understanding with Lubber Law Firm PLC to obtain legal advice about Drain 77, an area of complicated drainage near 18th Street and Highway 30 often called the "fishbowl" locally.

Chair and several supervisors said they had met with the attorney and that the county needs definitive legal clarity on rights, maintenance responsibilities and next steps related to Drain 77. The memorandum sets a $250-per-hour billing rate, requires the attorney to provide an update after five hours of work, and limits initial authorization to 10 hours without further board approval.

One supervisor who had been at the site visit said county staff and supervisors agreed the MOU was appropriate given ambiguities identified during the site review. County staff reported the county attorney and impacted supervisors had reviewed and raised no objections to the engagement.

The board voted to authorize the limited engagement; the motion passed on a voice roll call. Supervisors said they will use the attorney's advice to determine whether additional legal action or broader contracting is necessary.