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Polk to spend $119,550 to remove sediment, do maintenance on pond

MILL SPRING—Polk County’s Laughter Pond in Mill Spring is filling up with sediment that needs to be removed. 

The Polk County Board of Commissioners met Monday and approved spending $119,550 for the sediment removal and maintenance of the pond. 

The county owns the pond that is adjacent to the county’s recreation park and middle school in Mill Spring. 

Commissioners heard from Joel Lenk, with Quible & Associates, P.C. who will be doing the work. 

Lenk explained the issues at the pond, saying the creeks flows in on one side and flows out the other side. He also said the current dam structure like what is there now would not be permitted anymore. He suggested in the future the county reroute the stream to avoid the sediment issues. 

“My concern is this is a band aid,” said commissioner chairman Tommy Melton. “We’re going to be here this time next year asking the same thing. I want to be able to take care of this situation.” 

County manager Marche Pittman said either way the clean out of the pond has to happen. 

Commissioner Myron Yoder asked how long the clean out will last. 

Lenk said the last time the sediment was cleaned out was about 5 years ago. 

Lenk also said his company will be ready to begin the work in 2-3 weeks. 

Commissioners unanimously approved taking $199,550 from fund balance to pay for the project as well as approved a project budget ordinance.