MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine-Louisa Drainage District 13 trustees have a legal obligation to maintain the operations of the drainage district according to a joint state released by Muscatine County and the City of Muscatine.
Trustees have threatened to shut down the pumping station located near Port Louisa and lay off employees Friday (May 24) due to a lack of funds. If the pumping station is shut down, the statement notes, the drainage infrastructure will then become an obstacle to the natural drainage of waters in the Muscatine Island area.
One reason for the current financial problems of the district is the lack of a long-term strategy for financial stability of the drainage district. Muscatine County and the City of Muscatine are willing to work with the trustees in addressing the short-term insolvency but only if the trustees, at a minimum, are will to assess a sufficient amount of money to maintain cash flow throughout the year, provide for an emergency fund, and plan for the eventual replacement of the pumping infrastructure.
If the trustees are not willing to work cooperatively, the city and county will take all legal measures available to protect the property and lives of area residents.