Delaware County Board Holds Viewing for Bainbridge Mills Drainage Petition

DELAWARE, Ohio — The Delaware County Board of Commissioners on May 4 held a viewing of a petition to include the Bainbridge Mills Phase One subdivision in the county’s drainage maintenance program, a procedural step that drew questions from residents about potential costs and construction impacts.

The viewing, conducted using drone video technology, allowed commissioners to observe the subdivision’s stormwater infrastructure. No testimony was taken and no decisions were made. The first public hearing is scheduled for Aug. 3, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Brett Bacon, deputy administrator for the Soil and Water Conservation District, told commissioners that Phase Two of Bainbridge Mills is already under county maintenance because it was platted after July 1, 1998, when a requirement for inclusion took effect. Phase One was built before that date and is not covered.

“Phase one missed the enactment of that requirement through the platting regulations,” Bacon said.

The petition seeks to add Phase One’s stormwater system — including two dry detention basins and underground pipes — to the county’s maintenance program. Bacon said the infrastructure is typical for a pre-1998 subdivision and that he has not seen any indications of major problems.

“Nothing jumps out at me in this subdivision that throws up red flags right now,” he said.

Residents attending the viewing asked about potential costs and the scope of any construction work. Bacon said that if the petition is approved, each parcel would be assessed 0.3 mills for ongoing maintenance. Any construction costs would be split equally among property owners.

Jamie Byerly, a resident of Sable Court, asked for details about what construction might entail. Bacon said no inspection has been conducted and that the extent of any needed work is unknown.

“We don’t know at this point because we haven’t done the inspection,” he said. “Your hope is you go out here and find that the system is good and doesn’t require repair.”

Commissioner Marrow noted that the process is unfamiliar to many residents but routine for the county, which oversees maintenance for about 670 subdivisions.

“This is unique for you. This is fairly typical for us,” he said.

The Aug. 3 hearing will include a report from the engineer’s office and allow landowners to testify for or against the petition. Commissioners could then decide whether to proceed to a second hearing.

Key moments

Significant

Explanation of drainage maintenance program and costs

If we would proceed for maintenance, the subdivision would be brought into the subdivision drainage maintenance district and each property would be assessed as a 0.3 mills assessment against the taxable value of the property.

Public interest Part 1 · 7:01

Resident questions about scope and necessity

It sounds like there was no particular incident that triggered this potential project. Is that right?

Public interest

Trustee explains petition origin

It was brought to our attention last summer that phase two was already under some maintenance program. So, that's what kind of spiked it to everybody to understand where are we at as far as phase one?

Public interest

Resident concern about ponding and additional costs

Is there anything proposed or would the assessment take into account, you know, some of we do have some some ponding in some potential water issues back there?

Significant

Commissioner reassures residents about process

I think a lot of people look at this kind of like an insurance policy. Going forward, you don't have to worry about the drainage.

Full analysis

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Meeting Analysis

Delaware County (OH) — 2026-05-04

Meeting Information

Title: Delaware County Commissioners' Session- May 4, 2026a

Parish: Delaware County (OH)

Date: 2026-05-04

Video: Recording

Transcript segments: 615

Item	Description	Action	Vote Status
Bainbridge Mills Phase One Subdivision Drainage Improvement Petition Viewing	The Board of Commissioners held a viewing of the proposed drainage improvement area for Bainbridge Mills Phase One subdivision, using video technology to observe the infrastructure. The petition seeks to include the subdivision's stormwater system under the county's drainage maintenance program.	Viewing only; no testimony or decisions. First hearing scheduled for August 3, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.	No action taken

If approved, each property would be assessed 0.3 mills against taxable value for ongoing maintenance.
Any necessary construction costs would be split equally among phase one properties.
Basic cost estimate will be provided in the first hearing report; detailed cost estimate per parcel at final hearing.

Residents unclear about costs and whether assessments are per homeowner or HOA.
Concern about potential construction damage to yards.
Desire to understand what triggered the petition and whether it is necessary.
Questions about whether additional drainage issues (e.g., ponding) will be addressed.

Contentious Discussions: none noted.

Soil and Water Conservation District

Brett Bacon presented drone video of the subdivision showing stormwater infrastructure.
Phase two is already on drainage maintenance; phase one was platted before July 1, 1998, so not automatically included.
No red flags observed; typical maintenance may include cleaning catch basins and manhole risers.

Soil and Water Conservation District to compile first hearing report including basic cost estimate and research on subdivision platting date.
Staff to take a walk around the neighborhood prior to first hearing.
Brett Bacon to meet with individual lot owners regarding ponding issues not covered by petition.