Erickson proposes MSBU for Dogwood Lakes following county repair updates

The Holmes County Board of County Commissioners met Tuesday, October 21, to receive an update from engineers regarding ongoing work at Dogwood Lakes. During the meeting, engineers reported that the contract for emergency repairs on the smaller, county-owned lake was officially signed on October 16 with CBC Construction.

The project will focus on building a new overflow structure to resolve ongoing water-flow concerns. However, a separate leak in the existing overflow pipe remains and will require additional funding, estimated between $22,000 and $40,000 to fully repair.

While the county has allocated funds for immediate repairs, commissioners discussed long-term solutions to address future maintenance and infrastructure needs for the Dogwood Lakes community. Among the ideas raised was the establishment of a Municipal Services Benefit Unit (MSBU) a special assessment district that would allow residents to collectively fund continued improvements and upkeep through an annual fee.

Commissioner Clint Erickson, who represents the district that includes Dogwood Lakes, initiated the discussion by suggesting that the MSBU concept be placed on a future ballot for community consideration.

“Just to be clear and transparent, I speak up for the lakes every time lake issues come up in the Dogwood Lakes community,” said Erickson. “That’s one of the main reasons the emergency repairs are happening now. However, I can’t and will not vote on anything that directly affects the value of my personal property.”

Erickson, who owns property adjoining the lake, recused himself from voting on measures that could personally impact his home’s value. He emphasized that while the county has already invested heavily in Dogwood Lakes over three-quarters of a million dollars to date, the costs continue to rise.

“What many people forget is that it all comes down to money,” Erickson added. “Dogwood Lakes generates around $60,000 to $70,000 a year in tax revenue, which doesn’t even come close to covering what’s been spent on repairs over the past four years. Beyond that, the area will soon need road paving, infrastructure upgrades, and services like mosquito spraying.”

Under an MSBU, residents within Dogwood Lakes would contribute an annual assessment potentially between $100 and $125 per unit, according to early discussions which would be dedicated solely to community maintenance and improvements.

Commissioners emphasized that these figures are not final and that the proposal remains open for discussion. The Board agreed to revisit the topic in a future meeting once additional financial and community feedback can be gathered.

Erickson concluded by expressing optimism that the residents of Dogwood Lakes could unite around a shared solution.

“This really is a Dogwood Lakes community issue,” he said. “I truly believe the residents of Dogwood can come together and make it better.”

The emergency overflow repairs are expected to begin in the coming weeks under CBC Construction, with county officials continuing to monitor both progress and funding needs as work advances.