(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection - Letter to the Editor)

My address to Parkersburg City Council April 21:

On Jan. 26, 2026, Council gathered and many agreed that stormwater drainage should be a priority for this year. But I can only find $55,000 in stormwater supplies proposed within these budget revisions that total over $901,000 in anticipated revenue. After Council moved $250,000 in December from the Stormwater Management Fund to the Capital Reserve for the City Park pond project. It seems like stormwater collection for families is really not a priority for this administration. Just improvements/repairs for city-owned properties seem worthy enough to fund.

Stormwater issues affect every district and ARE a priority for the voters. Yes, it’s one of those issues neglected for several decades that just gets worse, year after year. But the city needs to start making these upgrades/repairs, to make a difference in the lives of some residents, even if you don’t have a miracle pot of money to fix stormwater issues for all.

I recently talked to some local residents, and I learned that I did not know all the streets leading to my house that flood regularly. One of these conversations was with an elderly gentleman who lives on the flat part of Division St Ext, across from 24th Avenue. He feels trapped in his house when the street floods in front of his house, afraid that if he ventures out to buy groceries or a prescription, he will not be able to get across the flowing water back into his driveway.

I never would have dreamed about that portion of my street flooding. Perhaps because it is flat. Perhaps because the concrete water overflow at the entrance of Mt. Vernon Circle that has been filled with debris and broken barricades for at least 3 years. And perhaps it is a shortage of drains to collect the stormwater.

I could go on and on. Stormwater affects more than one neighborhood, and one district. Many of the folks I talked to just do not feel like their voices are being heard. And I have heard the same sentiment from residents across our city for several months.

I am asking you to consider the needs of the citizens, for once.

And frankly, reallocating $140,000 for a pond fountain is just insulting to hard-working folks and retired individuals who, in this economy, are living paycheck-to-paycheck, just trying to get by.

Sue Ellen Waybright

Parkersburg