OUTGOING DRAIN COMMISSIONER’S MISTAKE SOON TO BE REMEDIED, BERRIEN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SAVE OVER $1 MILLION WITH REFINANCE DEAL

By DEBRA HAIGHT
BCR Correspondent
ST. JOSEPH, MI – One action by the Berrien County Commissioners last week is expected to bring good news to all 430 residents in the southeast drain district. The county has agreed to put its full faith and credit behind a refinancing of the drain district assessment that could save more than $1 million.
The issue came up last fall after County Administrator Brian Dissette and other officials realized that then Drain Commissioner Christopher Quattrin had secured a private loan to finance the drain district work at a higher than expected interest rate. The loan that Quattrin got was for 20 years at 5.7 percent and county officials are hoping to lower that rate to 3.5 percent. Dissette and Roger Swets of the Dickinson Wright law office who talked about what needs to be done to refinance the loan.
The Streed Drain Project will bring improvements to land in Chikaming Township as well as a small part of New Buffalo Township. The project will cost $15.2 million to reduce flooding in the affected areas. Swet estimated a potential savings of $1.243 million to be spread between the county, local governments and property owners.
Dissette thanked McManus, the new drain commissioner. “He’s working his tail off,” Dissette told commissioners. “We recognize that we are here to assist him. We’re thrilled to work with Mr. McManus and his team.” Dissette also praised local leaders in giving their support to the latest broadband grant applications.
Deputy Drain Commissioner Kathy Kissane said after the meeting that their office is working to get the refinancing done by June 30.
Commissioners also received updates on the BEAD state grant program for broadband internet and demolition of the former Modern Plastics building in Benton Harbor.