(Batesville, IN) – Batesville City Council heard Monday night from a Westbrook Drive resident about drainage issues.
Phil Deardorff says there’s one drain for curb water right at his front yard, and it backs up, especially after heavy rains…
“All the water from coming both sides comes in. If the grate is clogged, the water backs up, comes into my yard, picks up everything and just washes it,” Deardorff said. “So I’ve been trying to slow that water down.” ”
But Deardorff says he’s dealing with a bigger issue: raw sewage coming up in his front yard from the manhole.
After some discussion, it was determined that dye- and smoke-testing methods could be used to figure out the magnitude of the problem for Deardorff and others around the city who have the same issues.
Smoke testing was used in the 1990s when the city was under a sewer ban, but was curtailed after numerous complaints from residents at the time.
“So I’m glad that the city is starting to look at that again, and that’s a start,” he said. “It didn’t occur in one time. It’s been occurring over the years, so we’ve (he and his wife, Connie) been there since 2018. As long as they’re working on it, and doing their due diligence, I’m happy.”
Deardorff presented pictures of the drainage issues at this westside home as part of his presentation to council.
In other business Monday night…
- Council approved a Belterra Funds request for $7,200 from Batesville Kiwanis for website development and marketing materials. The request was presented to council by Kiwanis mebers Dana Cassidy and Jackie Huber.
- Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC)’s senior recognition honored Emily Merkel and Vincent Wilson for their years of service. Both are recent high school graduates. MYC advisor Danielle Becker also informed city council that members of the organization in grades 7-12 donated 1,785 1/2 service hours to various groups this year, and that 32 students volunteered 50 or more hours in 2025-26.
