This week members of the Marshall County Drainage Board listened as County Surveyor Larry Fisher said there was a need to increase the maintenance assessment on the Metheny Ditch located in Bourbon and Tippecanoe Townships.
Fisher explained that the assessment rate was established in 1972 at $.44 per acre with a $5 minimum. The annual collection is approximately $3,050 and is unable to sufficiently fund the work that is needed on the drain.
The surveyor said in the past the Town of Bourbon has paid the assessment for the portion of water shed that is in the corporate boundary. Fisher said the rate has been about $900 but the proposed assessment would increase to $1,400. This assessment covers approximately 465 parcels located primarily on the west side of State Road 331 with the town limits.
At the July meeting of the Bourbon Town Council, members approved covering the higher assessment for the parcels within the town limits.
The Marshall County Drainage Board will conduct a public hearing on the Metheny Ditch on November 17th. They are proposing an increase from the $.44 up to $1.25 per acre with a $5 minimum.
