Shown in front from the left are Bill Pipp and David Johnston, preparing for the quarterly meeting of the Turkey Creek Dam and Dike Conservancy District on Aug. 22. In back Dale and Michelle Owens, freeholders in the district, await the start of the meeting. The Owens attended the meeting to learn more about the district and its purpose.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — Uncertainties caused members of the Turkey Creek Dam and Dike Conservancy District to approve the same tax rate as 2023 for the 2024 budget — at least initially. The board will have until November to make any changes.

The decision came after Ross Hagen, BakerTilly Municipal Advisors, presented a budget that would bring in $40,000 for the cumulative improvement fund and $132,659 in the general fund for an estimated tax rate of $0.0098. The 2023 budget has a rate of $0.0214.

The uncertainties include the final bill on the dike repair project, estimated costs on maintenance for the water control device, and life expectancy of the water control device.

Numerous suggestions were made for the proposed budget dealt with the cumulative improvement fund, which has to be submitted by Aug. 31. Such suggestions included raising the cumulative improvement fund to $200,000.

Hagen did note the proposed budget would be the cap the district could raise and can be lowered at final approval in November.

At present it is estimated the district will have a $132,659 balance only in the general fund at the end of 2023. That cash balance has to carry the districts expenses until July 2024 when the first tax draw of the year is received.

David Johnston, board member, noted concern of lowering the rate at this point with a need to rebuild the cumulative improvement fund. Other board members agreed.

With the proposed 2024 tax rate, the cumulative improvement fund would only raise $1.6 million over 40 years. This concerned the board as the life of the current water control device is unknown and the cost of any repair to the device itself is unknown should a catastrophe occur, such as one of the gates fail, or repairs needed on the ware.

It was pointed out that no repairs to the water control device have been made, only the area above the device.

Jim Silcox, board member, did recognize the board’s goal is to lower the tax levy each year, however until some “bumps” are discovered he was in favor of such a “freeze” on the levy. “I’m a tangible person … what the project looks like if it fails or it needs a diversion and how long it will take.”

Chris Jeeter, Lawson Fisher engineers, was asked to find the initial assessment on the water control device life expectancy, estimated costs for repairs and the quickness of any reaction time. He was also asked to prepare a contingency plan should a catastrophe occur.

These reports are expected to be presented at the next district meeting Tuesday, Oct. 24.

Todd Mikel, Carolyn Anderson and Bill Pipp were all in agreement these unknowns need to be addressed before the budget is officially adopted.

During other discussion, Silcox presented a $60,600 annual cost over a three-year period proposal from EcoSystems Connection Institute. This cost would cover equipment and gathering of data on water flow in and out of Lake Wawasee. This information would be used to help direct control of the lake level.

Data is already being collected through EcoSystems work with Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation. The proposal would add additional equipment to provide accurate measurements of outflow at Wawasee, Mudd Lake and Syracuse Lake. Inflow rates would be measured at southeast end of the lake at Turkey Creek, Dillon Creek and Martin Creek, with outflow gages being installed at the railroad bridge, water level gage at the water control device and an outflow gate at Turkey Creek below the water control device.

A five-page project description was given to the board, which included an understanding of the assignment and project deliverables.

The board approved the proposal with payments in two installments to be made in 2024.

The board will meet again at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, at the WACF office.