Darien officials are asking for legal clarity after they hit a roadblock in their plan to fix persistent drainage problems.

The Flood and Erosion Control Board was seeking public input during a meeting at Darien Town Hall Wednesday. The board is considering the enactment of a special tax for flood-prone homes and businesses. The town would then use the money to make improvements.

However, an experienced land-use attorney in the audience questioned whether the board could even enact its own regulations.

"We've been operating under a contrary assumption that our commission has this authority," said board member Peter Hillman. "We want to nail down that we have that power."

Before the board moves forward with its plans, it is asking the town's attorney to settle the legal issue.

Residents complain this is yet another setback when they need immediate relief.

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