Landowners tell drainage board the assessment may not reflect actual benefit

Multiple landowners submitted written objections contesting inclusion in the benefited watershed and the calculation of per-acre assessments for the proposed Oro Bowler drain reconstruction. Staff summarized the objections on the record, noting claims that runoff from certain parcels flows to low swamp areas and not into the regulated drain.

One objection asked the board to determine parcel-specific evidence: "whether my parcel is correctly included in the benefited watershed," and to review topographic mapping, watershed boundaries, aerial imagery, drainage calculations, and site observations before adopting a final assessment. Board members heard objections from Pam Herndon, Stanley Smith, Justin and Stacy Wright, Norman (Marvin) Amy Hart, Larry and Rhonda Smith, Diana Pierce, and Chad Porter; the concerns ranged from lack of measurable benefit to claims the assessment would create financial hardship for farming operations.

Board members individually moved to deny or partially deny several objections after considering the surveyor's report; some objections were partially denied or denied and the surveyor's reconstruction schedules were adopted. The board also agreed to acknowledge late letters and enter them into the hearing record for consideration.