The Allen County Drainage Board is about to undergo a big change with the intent of gaining more expertise and citizen input.

The Allen County Board of Commissioners today announced it intends to add citizen appointees and possibly expand the drainage board from three to five members.  Currently, the drainage board is comprised of the three-member Board of Commissioners.

Applications from citizens who wish to be considered for appointment are being accepted through February 29.  Commissioners expect to make appointments by the end of March.  The number of citizens appointed and potential board expansion will be determined by the quality of the applications.

Under state law (IC 36-9-27-5), a county can have a drainage board consisting of either three or five members.  At least one member must be a commissioner.  The other appointees must be residents of Allen County who are knowledgeable in drainage matters. Appointees serve for terms of three years, with their initial appointments made to provide for staggering of terms on an annual basis. The county surveyor also serves on the board as a nonvoting member.

Those interested in serving can send their resume and cover letter using one of three methods:

• By mail to Board of Commissioners, 200 E. Berry St., Suite 410, Fort Wayne, IN 46802;
• By email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; or
• By fax at 260.449.7568.

An application form is also available online at www.allencounty.us/boards-and-commissions.

For more information about the duties and responsibilities of drainage board members, contact the Allen County Surveyor’s office.