Meadowbrook residents became the latest group to band together in an attempt to have Decatur County Commissioners correct the water and/or road problems they face in their neighborhood.

Corrine Jones, Willie Calloway, Marcus Close, Lanorris Harrell spoke to the County Commissioners.

County Administrator Tom Patton stated they have FEMA lots in 3 different problem areas where holding ponds would help.  He stated that Federal law prohibits building anything on a FEMA lot - including a holding pond. 

Mr Patton stated they have had Congressman Bishop look at the problem and he has agreed the law needs to be changed to allow holding ponds.  The County stated several times Federal law has to be changed before they can do anything significant to solve the water problem.

One obviously frustrated resident stated she lives in fear of rain and begged the County to put in some ditches saying "We can't afford to sell our homes."  Mr Patton stated they would see if they would be able to deepen some of the ditches.

Commissioner Perry stated the area had standing water when he first ran for Commissioner in 2002 and every time it rains.  He stated that there has been no progress on it during his time.  He stated they could look at the ditches to see if anything can be done.  Commissioner Perry stated there's not much they can do until they can build holding ponds.

Willie Calloway

It did appear that Willie Calloway offered the County 2 lots he owned for the purpose of building holding ponds.  It appeared that Mr Calloway's offer was not understood by Commissioners.