Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

The Ripley County Commissioners discussed drainage issues with residents at the regular meeting held on Monday, June 28. Dave Herbert, Morris, presented photos of a flooding incident after a recent rain.

According to Herbert, his home was purchased in 2005 and did not have any flooding on his property until 2009. Herbert explained when flooding occurs there is erosion of gravel in his driveway as well as water in his basement.

When Herbert purchased the property in 2005, the owners explained that there were previous flooding issues but the installation of a larger culvert solved the problem. The commissioners and county highway supervisor, Junior Heaton, will look into the situation.

Tim and Mary Waller returned to address the drainage of animal waste onto their property from a neighboring farm. The Wallers first brought the issue to the commissioners’ attention earlier this year.

After the initial complaint was filed, Commissioner Gary Stutler visited the property with Andy Bryant of the Ripley County Health Department. The issue was discussed with the neighbor with suggestions made to eliminate the problems in a March meeting.

According to the Wallers, the situation has not improved. The animal waste drains onto their property and is killing the grass, trees and the gardens. They said their grandchildren are not able to play outside while visiting. Stutler told the Wallers that he and Bryant will visit the property and work to resolve the issue.

James Fuqua, Osgood, discussed flooding issues caused by the revitalization of the track at the Ripley County Fairgrounds. According to Fuqua, this is the second time the basement flooded causing damage to a new furnace.

Osgood Street Department Supervisor Steve Wilhoit was unable to attend the commissioners' meeting to discuss the situation.

Commissioner President Rob Reiners explained that a retention pond is to be installed as part of the track reconstruction. He urged Fuqua to wait to see if the pond will help with the situation.

In other business:

• Dee Dee Holliday was approved as corporation representative to the solid waste board.

• Book binding fees for the auditor, at $4675 and the clerk’s office at $4525, were approved.

• The motion to approve the engineer inspection fee of $1350 for Bridge 210 was approved.

All commissioners were in attendance. The next meeting will be on Monday, July 12 beginning at 7 a.m. at the highway garage in Osgood and reconvening at 8 a.m. at the courthouse annex in Versailles.