Lake Mohee Dam Debate: Council Questions $2 Million Timeline

From the Blackford County Council Budget Workshop #2 & Regular Meeting on August 5, 2026

The county surveyor provided a detailed update on the Lake Mohee Dam project during the budget workshop, prompting pushback from council members over how to pay for the estimated $2 million reconstruction.

The dam is regulated by the IDNR because approximately 1,150 acres drain across it. DNR has been pushing for repairs for five years. The dam's foundation has eroded underneath, requiring the entire structure to be removed and rebuilt from the footer up. The county has already spent $532,000 in engineering costs from the general fund, which would be repaid through the bond.

The proposed financing is a 20-year bond that could be paid off in 10 years, with annual payments estimated at approximately $950,000. Interest rates were estimated at 3.57% to 3.73% based on October 2025 numbers.

Council member Fred Tobey suggested delaying four to five years and paying for the project with wind and solar revenue, avoiding what he estimated would be a $250 to $500 per-taxpayer property tax impact. The surveyor responded that DNR would fine the county immediately if it refused to proceed, and that costs only increase over time — the last spillway replacement about 20 years ago cost $80,000.

The project is further delayed by an Army Corps of Engineers wetland dispute. The Corps initially required an artificial wetland, then reclassified it as natural, holding up permits.

Council member Jim Weiseman raised whether the lake could be expanded as a recreation area or reservoir, noting the county sits above the Teays River aquifer.

Lake Mohee homeowners currently pay $30 per house to the drainage district for maintenance.

Source: YouTube transcript — Blackford County Council Budget Workshop #2 & Regular Meeting, August 5, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.