Holly Dam Dilemma: Flood Risks and Community Conflicts

In the northwest corner of Oakland County, a historic dam built in 1840 is at the center of growing worries. The Stiff’s Mill Pond, located near a 1901 home owned by Gary Helton and Tina Hembree, has risen after heavy rain this month. The couple’s property sits on a hill close to the dam, which is owned by the Village of Holly. They also co‑run a tavern in downtown Holly and have long asked for help fixing the aging structure.

Last year, Michigan’s environmental agency ordered an emergency shutdown of the dam and lowered water levels because it could fail. Holly sued to keep the dam operational, but lost; as a result, the village cannot touch it. The agency says the dam is not meant to hold water now and has not yet decided whether to repair or replace it.

Heavy rains in the past two weeks have refilled the pond, with local meteorologists reporting between 6.2 and 6.4 inches of rain—more than double the average April total. The clay‑rich soil slows drainage, so even after rain stops, the area may stay wet for weeks. Residents like Helton and Hembree watch water levels rise to knee‑deep heights in their yard, then fall, only to climb again. They have called state officials about flooding on Easter Sunday but heard nothing for days.

Helton worries that if the dam fails, water could travel 111 miles to Saginaw Bay, taking about three weeks. He would prefer the dam removed so the stream can flow naturally; he estimates four years for trees to regrow in the former pond area. Other locals want to keep the dam and redesignate the pond as a lake, turning it into a recreational spot that supports wildlife. The village and county commission have approved a $36,000 study to explore this option.

During a budget workshop, Police Chief Jerry Narsh reported emergency evacuations from a mobile‑home park that had been flooded by pond overflow. The county road commission cleared debris from culverts, and the village avoided a wider evacuation by lowering water levels. Village President April Brandon asked about dam safety; officials said the risk assessment shows only one building at risk if the dam fails, but a potential loss of life remains. The village must issue alerts and evacuations for residents near the pond, while Helton and Hembree live in Rose Township and can only suggest township action.

The dam’s history includes a 1975 failure that washed away a nearby house. Helton, who bought the home 16 years ago, hopes his own property stays intact if the dam collapses. He and his wife want clear answers about safety, as the constant rush of pond water through the dam’s openings heightens their anxiety. The next committee meeting to discuss the issue is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13 at Holly’s Village Hall.