The bill amends the Drain Code of 1956 to enhance the appointment processes for boards of determination and improve public notification regarding drainage projects. Key updates include a requirement for the drain commissioner to file a statement with the county board of commissioners if they are disqualified from appointing a board, which will then take on the responsibility. The bill mandates that board members must be disinterested property owners, not affiliated with the county board of commissioners, and it revises compensation for board members to be determined by the drain commissioner for each meeting attended instead of a fixed per diem. Additionally, the bill allows for the consolidation of drainage districts with a petition from property owners or municipalities and clarifies the notification process for board meetings, ensuring that attempts at proper notification do not invalidate proceedings.

Further amendments address the structure and compensation of drainage boards in counties lacking a board of county auditors. In such cases, the chairperson of the finance committee of the county board of commissioners will serve on the drainage board, or if neither exists, a member will be selected by the chairperson of the county board. The bill also clarifies the process for replacing disqualified board members and establishes that the drainage board will determine reasonable compensation for its members, including the chairperson of the county board of commissioners. It replaces previous compensation limits and roles, ensuring the county drain commissioner serves as the chairperson of the drainage board and maintains all records. An augmented drainage board is also created for each project, which includes additional county officials, with outlined processes for determining membership and compensation.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 280.72