7.13.26 Drainage Board

The Warrick County Drainage Board meeting on July 14, 2026, focused primarily on procurement and contract discussions related to vegetation removal and drainage improvement projects. The board opened bids for vegetation removal along Edward's Ditch, receiving three proposals ranging from $24,780 to $78,188. While the bids were opened publicly, it was clarified that the drainage board does not have authority to approve contracts funded by the county council; the county surveyor's office will make the award decision subject to commissioner approval due to a new $5,000 spending ordinance. Additionally, the board reviewed a drainage improvement project in the Westwood subdivision, approving an invoice of $38,823 and discussing the need for multiple signatures on payment requests. The meeting also addressed a stormwater rate fee increase contract proposal from Baker Tilly for $10,000, which was approved by majority vote. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to a citizen's concerns about erosion and drainage issues related to a culvert and ditch system, with board members discussing potential engineering solutions and the limitations of spending taxpayer funds on private property. The board agreed to further investigate and develop a plan to address the erosion problem and bring recommendations back for approval.