Beyond the Desk is a publication of Genesee County’s Department of Human Resources and Labor Relations and our incredible HR Representatives, Cindy Pendergrass and Jasmine Barksdale.

For the 5th volume of Beyond the Desk, we met with Susanne Hogan, Deputy Director of the Drain Commissioner’s Office, to learn more about the work being done behind the scenes to protect the County’s water resources.

The Office comprises two key divisions: Surface Water and Water & Waste Services, both of which play essential roles in protecting public health, supporting local communities, and preserving Genesee County’s natural resources.

The Surface Water Division maintains established County drains, administers the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater program, and manages lake levels for several lakes throughout the County. The Water & Waste Services Division provides safe, potable drinking water to 19 Genesee County communities and transports and treats wastewater for 33 communities across six counties.

In this volume, we are spotlighting the Surface Water Division and the important work its team does every day to manage stormwater, reduce flooding, improve water quality, and protect Genesee County’s waterways.

What Are We Involved With?

• Flood Prevention
• Water Quality Protection
• Lake Level Management

Established under Michigan law more than a century ago, the Office oversees approximately 1,100 active County drains and maintains records for hundreds of historic drainage districts. Together, these systems move stormwater away from neighborhoods, agricultural land, businesses, and public infrastructure throughout Genesee County.

Responding to flooding concerns is one of the Office’s primary responsibilities. When residents or local governments petition for drainage improvements, the Office manages projects from the initial investigation through engineering design, permitting, construction, and long-term maintenance.

The staff works together to evaluate drainage problems, identify solutions, and oversee projects designed to reduce flood risks and improve stormwater management. Because water flows across municipal boundaries, the Office routinely partners with townships, cities, villages, neighboring counties, the Genesee County Road Commission, state agencies, and local officials to develop solutions that benefit entire watersheds rather than individual properties.

“It’s a team effort. Everybody has a role in making sure projects move forward and residents receive the assistance they need.”

Susanne Hogan, Deputy Drain Commissioner

The Drain Commissioner’s Office plays an integral environmental role through administration of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Working with local communities, staff help ensure compliance with federal and state stormwater regulations that aim to reduce pollution entering rivers, lakes, and streams.

Their responsibilities include stormwater planning, public education, illicit discharge investigations, and outreach programs that encourage residents to protect local waterways through everyday actions. When pollution concerns arise, the department works alongside local governments and state agencies to investigate the source and implement corrective measures.

In addition to drainage infrastructure, the Office oversees several legally established lake levels throughout Genesee County. Maintaining those water levels requires continuous monitoring, infrastructure maintenance, and coordination with property owners, local officials, and environmental agencies. The work helps balance recreational opportunities, environmental health, and the interests of surrounding communities.

Although the Office’s mission has remained consistent over the decades, the tools have evolved significantly. Historical drainage records, once stored exclusively in paper files, have increasingly been digitized, allowing staff to access decades of engineering information more efficiently while preserving important historical documents for future planning.

The modernization has improved service for residents, engineers, contractors, and community partners while maintaining a detailed record of the County’s drainage infrastructure.

While drainage systems may be largely invisible, the employees responsible for maintaining them are anything but. The department includes engineers, engineering technicians, inspectors, accountants, administrative professionals, maintenance crews, and support staff who work together to manage projects, investigate flooding concerns, maintain records, oversee construction, and respond to resident questions.

Some employees spend their days reviewing engineering plans and coordinating projects, while others work in the field inspecting drains, maintaining infrastructure, or responding to storm-related issues. Many staff members have devoted decades of service to the department, creating a workplace built on institutional knowledge, mentorship, and teamwork.

That collaborative approach extends beyond the office as employees regularly partner with municipalities, the Genesee County Road Commission, neighboring counties, and state agencies to address regional drainage challenges.

For the Drain Commissioner’s Office, success is often measured by what residents never experience. It’s the neighborhood that avoids flooding after a heavy rain. It’s the roadway that remains open during a storm. It’s the stable lake level, the healthy stream, and the drainage system quietly doing its job.

While much of the department’s work happens out of sight, its impact is felt throughout Genesee County every day. Through engineering expertise, environmental stewardship, and long-term planning, the office continues to protect the county’s people, property, infrastructure, and natural resources.