A drainage district is the land area that benefits from the drain. The drainage district makes up the watershed that contributes water to the drain. Each property and municipality within the drainage distrcit pays for the construction (or establishment) of the drain and for future maintenance and improvement of the drain.
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A Board of Determination is a 3-member panel of disinterested property owners. The role of the Board of Determination is to receive evidence and hear testimony of interested persons and determine whether the petitioned maintenance and improvement is necessary and conducive to the public health, convenience or welfare.
A petition was filed with the Van Buren County Drain Commissioner requesting maintenance and improvement to be performed on the drain. All property owners with lands in the Drainage District were sent a copy of the notice.
No, the Board of Determination decides necessity, but does not determine the scope or cost of the project. Further, the Board of Determination does not determine how much property owners and municipalities will be assessed.
No, only a majority vote of the Board of Determination is required. Only the members of the Board of Determination vote. The attendees at the meeting do not vote, but instead provide testimony to the Board members to assist in their determination.
Estimated assessment amounts are not yet determined. If the Board of Determination finds the project necessary, the Drain Commissioner will hold a public meeting to review apportionments after a project scope has been determined. Notices for the public hearing on assessments will be sent out at a later date.
No, you are not required to attend the Board of Determination, however, it is your right to do so.
Appeals are provided under MCL 280.72a and MCL 280.72(3).
Visit the Van Buren County Drain Commissioner’s website or call (269) 657-8241