New Hartford water drainage issue resurfaces with supervisors

An age-old dispute over where water ends up in the New Hartford area reared its head again on Monday morning during the Grundy County board of supervisors meeting.
           
According to county engineer Gary Mauer, Butler County employees installed bridge planks over a culvert without authorization from all of the surrounding landowners, including the Grassley family of state and national political fame. Because of the city’s low elevation, New Hartford frequently floods and takes on rainwater from much of Grundy County.
           
“I guess the moral of the story make sure you’ve got signed agreements before you do anything like this,” Mauer said.
 
New Hartford city councilman Gordy Ballhanga has attended multiple supervisors meetings over the last several years and implored Grundy County to assist as the land lies near the Butler County line, but the board has resisted taking any major actions and frequently responded that it doesn’t have the legal authority to do so. 
 
For the full story, see this week's Grundy Register. Subscribe by calling (319) 824-6958 or clicking here.