The Decisions You Never See: How Drainage, Infrastructure, and Taxes Really Work in Midland | #71
Tue Feb 03 2026
If you own property in Midland County, this conversation affects you — whether you realize it or not.
Logan Richetti sits down with Joe Sova, Midland County Drain Commissioner, to explain how drainage and infrastructure decisions are actually made, why some projects take years, and how those decisions show up on tax bills across the county.
Joe draws on decades of hands-on experience in excavation, utilities, and public service to break down how century-old drain systems still shape modern development, how maintenance differs from full drain petitions, and why transparency matters when residents are paying the full cost.
Stay Connected with Us!
Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.
Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes:
@TALKMIDLAND
Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community!
#TalkMidland
Show Notes & Chapters
00:00 – Why Speed and Efficiency Matter in Public Projects
How timelines affect cost, contractors, and residents
04:15 – Joe Sova’s Background and Family Roots in Excavation
Growing up around infrastructure work in Midland and Saginaw
09:30 – Leaving the Family Business and Finding a New Path
Why Joe pursued finance, accounting, and public service
15:45 – From Utilities to Public Leadership
Joe’s time with the City of Midland and managing large budgets
22:30 – The Moment the Drain Commissioner Role Clicked
Why this job felt like a full-circle opportunity
27:50 – What the Drain Commissioner Actually Oversees
Why the role is about more than just “drains”
33:40 – How Michigan Was Built to Drain Water
The history of county drains and why they still matter
39:20 – Drainage Districts, Watersheds, and Special Assessments
How areas are defined and who pays for what
45:10 – Maintenance vs. Full Drain Petitions
Why some projects take years instead of weeks
51:30 – Public Hearings and the Board of Determination
Who votes, who decides, and what “necessary” really means
58:40 – How Costs Are Apportioned Fairly
Joe’s data-driven approach to assessments and transparency
1:05:20 – Why Every Drain Will Eventually Need Work
Long-term thinking and infrastructure reality
1:10:45 – Communication Gaps Between Cities and Counties
How decades-old disconnects still affect development today
1:16:30 – Why Leadership Matters When Residents Foot the Bill
Balancing efficiency, fairness, and public trust
🔑 Keywords
Joe Sova, Talk Midland Podcast, Midland County Drain Commissioner, Midland MI infrastructure, Midland County drainage, Special assessments Michigan, Local government Midland MI, Public infrastructure Michigan, Drainage districts, Property taxes Midland MI, Local leadership Midland, County drains Michigan, Infrastructure maintenance, Midland County government, Community transparency
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If you own property in Midland County, this conversation affects you — whether you realize it or not. Logan Richetti sits down with Joe Sova, Midland County Drain Commissioner, to explain how drainage and infrastructure decisions are actually made, why some projects take years, and how those decisions show up on tax bills across the county. Joe draws on decades of hands-on experience in excavation, utilities, and public service to break down how century-old drain systems still shape modern development, how maintenance differs from full drain petitions, and why transparency matters when residents are paying the full cost. Stay Connected with Us! Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan. Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes: @TALKMIDLAND Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community! #TalkMidland Show Notes & Chapters 00:00 – Why Speed and Efficiency Matter in Public Projects How timelines affect cost, contractors, and residents 04:15 – Joe Sova’s Background and Family Roots in Excavation Growing up around infrastructure work in Midland and Saginaw 09:30 – Leaving the Family Business and Finding a New Path Why Joe pursued finance, accounting, and public service 15:45 – From Utilities to Public Leadership Joe’s time with the City of Midland and managing large budgets 22:30 – The Moment the Drain Commissioner Role Clicked Why this job felt like a full-circle opportunity 27:50 – What the Drain Commissioner Actually Oversees Why the role is about more than just “drains” 33:40 – How Michigan Was Built to Drain Water The history of county drains and why they still matter 39:20 – Drainage Districts, Watersheds, and Special Assessments How areas are defined and who pays for what 45:10 – Maintenance vs. Full Drain Petitions Why some projects take years instead of weeks 51:30 – Public Hearings and the Board of Determination Who votes, who decides, and what “necessary” really means 58:40 – How Costs Are Apportioned Fairly Joe’s data-driven approach to assessments and transparency 1:05:20 – Why Every Drain Will Eventually Need Work Long-term thinking and infrastructure reality 1:10:45 – Communication Gaps Between Cities and Counties How decades-old disconnects still affect development today 1:16:30 – Why Leadership Matters When Residents Foot the Bill Balancing efficiency, fairness, and public trust 🔑 Keywords Joe Sova, Talk Midland Podcast, Midland County Drain Commissioner, Midland MI infrastructure, Midland County drainage, Special assessments Michigan, Local government Midland MI, Public infrastructure Michigan, Drainage districts, Property taxes Midland MI, Local leadership Midland, County drains Michigan, Infrastructure maintenance, Midland County government, Community transparency