Some residents living in the Big Lake area in Watson Township are running out of patience with public officials over lake levels that have caused flooding at their homes.

At least a half dozen made a return appearance at the Watson Township Board meeting Thursday night to complain about nothing being done in more than a year to alleviate their suffering.

Larry Towne told the Township Board he wants a lake level ordinance adopted.

Gary White said, “I’d like to have the lake level controlled.”

The residents said they’ve been getting the runaround for too long. They first came in droves to the Township Board meeting a year ago, then were told to talk to the Allegan County Drain Commission, then the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, but eventually they were steered back to the local board.

As one resident asserted, it seems like everybody is just passing the buck.

The group pounced on Allegan County Commissioner Gale Dugan, demanding answers about what can be done and soon. Dugan promised to speak to County Drain Commissioner Denice Medemar, but said it might take some time, perhaps as much as a year and a half.

“But we can’t afford to wait a year and a half under these conditions,” White said.

Some residents believe the problems started to occur after the arrival of residential development on the south side of the lake.

Part of the problem is that until earlier this year there was no engineer working for the county who could properly deal with the issue. the DEQ has insisted such a person is essential for anything to move forward.

“I want a lake level ordinance and an engineer hired,” said Towne.

Dugan said an engineer finally started in January. He promised an “expedited response” and that he will ask for an emergency meeting the Drain Commissioner’s office starting Friday. He then hopes to set up a board of determination hearing to learn whether a project is needed.