Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The Kosciusko County Drainage Board today considered raising the $5-per-year drainage rate to a flat $20-per-lot fee.
The board must hold a public hearing before the rate changes.
Kosciusko County Surveyor Richard Kemper said the county pays nearly $18,000 in annual maintenance costs but takes in only $4,700 with the current rates.
Upping the rates, said Kemper, could generate more revenue to pay off debts and deter heavy future debt.
Board member Maurice McDaniel agreed with the $20 rate.
"They've been riding for a long time," he said.
Rates have been the same since 1981, said Kemper.
The county had separate pay scales for agriculture and commercial land. Rates are based on a lot's run-off.
In another matter, Billboard Advertising Inc. will have to remove a sign on North CR 800W built too close to the Gay Easterday Robinson drain.
Mark Montell, Kosciusko County surveyor's office, said the sign was 23 feet from the drain.
The drainage board allowed the billboard a minimum 40-foot distance from the drain. A variance was originally approved for the sign to be set back 50 feet.
The sign's center post was measured at 39 feet from the drain, said Montell.
