Plan to fix flooding leaves property owners cautious

Property owners in a Campton Hills subdivision that has experienced intermittent flooding for more than a decade are skeptical of a new plan that public officials say might finally resolve the situation once and for all.

Kane County officials have tentatively proposed establishing a special service area to fund about $233,000 in improvements to failing drain tiles in the Evening Prairie subdivision between Burlington and Silver Glen roads. Under the plan, the county would pick up half the cost, while Campton Hills would pay about $10,000 for repairs on public property.

The problem, some subdivision residents say, is even homeowners who have never experienced flooding would be stuck paying the rest -- nearly $3,000 each -- to fix a problem many don't consider their own.

"People are very upset," said Bill Stadelmann, who has lived in the subdivision for 22 years and says his house never floods. "It's not our problem. And now they're going to come in and give us half, then dump it on the village and, in turn, on the property owners."

For years, several houses surrounding a pond in Evening Prairie have flooded as summer rains made their annual sweep. County officials have taken steps to temporarily address the situation, but it has never been completely resolved.

Now, experts warn, the drain tiles are on the verge of failing altogether, raising the possibility of massive septic backups across the neighborhood and potential water supply contamination -- making it a problem for everyone there.

"It's critical," Campton Hills Trustee Jim Kopec said. "It won't be long before a big storm comes along and takes it all out."

About 40 property owners in and around Evening Prairie have been asked to meet with county and village officials next week to try to reach an arrangement. Should owners turn down the special service area deal, Village President Patsy Smith said, officials could conduct a special assessment to help spread out the expense based on property values, although that methodology could cost taxpayers about $50,000 additional in legal fees.

The other option -- a last resort, Smith said -- is to do nothing, which could lead to some homes being condemned if the drainage system fails completely.

"We need to educate (property owners) of the consequences of what their decisions could be," she said. "Hopefully, we can help them solve this problem."

• Daily Herald staff writer Leslie Hague contributed to this story.