Mahoning County probes failing stormwater systems, clears $4.7M in sewer bond funding

Mahoning County probes failing stormwater systems, clears $4.7M in sewer bond fundingA collapsed drainage pipe and localized flooding at Boulder Creek have prompted county officials to investigate stormwater bottlenecks, as the board simultaneously approves over $4.7 million to fund existing sewer revenue bonds.

Residents reported a collapsed private drainage pipe and sinkhole causing severe localized flooding, exacerbated by a 48-inch pipe from a neighboring development.

The board approved $4.71 million in sewer revenue bond funding for Series 2017, 2021, and 2022 obligations.

A $10,000 emergency services agreement with Rudzik Excavating was authorized for the Sanitary Engineering Department.

Commissioners advanced a $235,540 purchase for a new sanitary crane truck via a state contract.

During their August 13, 2026 meeting, Mahoning County commissioners confronted localized stormwater infrastructure failures while advancing millions in routine sewer and water financing. Stormwater capacity and drainage issues dominated the public comment period, with residents reporting severe flooding near Boulder Creek. A collapsed private drainage pipe and a resulting sinkhole have created a major bottleneck in the local creek system. The situation is reportedly being exacerbated by upstream development; residents noted that a 48-inch pipe from the nearby College Park Flat 4 development discharges directly into the compromised waterway. With 13 additional homes planned for the area, the current infrastructure is failing to handle high-rain events, recently flooding a cul-de-sac and temporarily trapping residents. Commissioners committed to investigating the failed infrastructure and identifying responsible parties to alleviate the bottleneck. On the financial front, the board unanimously approved a series of journal entries allocating a total of $4,718,744 for the Sanitary Engineer's sewer revenue bond funding. The approved debt service payments include $1,509,256 for Series 2017 bonds, $1,194,488 for 2021 bonds, and $2,015,000 for Series 2022 bonds. An additional $45,675 was allocated to Metro Water for the Canfield Water Tower funding for calendar year 2026. The board also authorized operational expenditures for the Sanitary Engineering Department. Commissioners approved a $10,000 emergency services agreement with Rudzik Excavating, funded through non-general sources. Furthermore, a resolution of necessity was passed to purchase a Ford F-600 4x4 crane truck for $235,540 from The Safety Company, utilizing an Ohio Department of Transportation contract.