The Otago Regional Council will consult Henley residents on the implications of the township's floodbank being added to the council's asset register.
Residents of the small community on the Taieri Plain approached the regional council about the floodbank maintenance issues after last year's May flood, which inundated many properties.
The floodbank follows the Henley side of the Taieri River for about 900m from about 280m upstream of the Henley bridge.
Council staff investigated and found the floodbank and flap-gated culverts had been omitted from the council's asset register.
As a result, Henley residents were not rated for any flood protection or drainage works and the council had not been maintaining the bank.
At yesterday's finance and corporate committee meeting, councillors agreed the floodbank should be included in the asset register.
Chairman Stephen Woodhead said he hoped residents did not think that by its being included on the asset register, they would get increased flood protection and "dry houses in the future".
Environmental engineering and natural hazards director Gavin Palmer said Henley had a relatively high exposure to flood hazards because of its topography and proximity to the Taieri River, and the floodbanks were definitely a part of the lower Taieri flood protection scheme.
The floodbank had been maintained by the community, who mowed it and kept the culverts clear.
It was a low structure that gave a modest amount of flood protection but nothing near a 20-year-return flood level. It was in good structural condition and a routine inspection and maintenance schedule would need to be adopted.
"It's all about maintaining the status quo."
He and staff had met Henley representatives and explained to them they would need to be rated to cover the cost of maintenance, Dr Palmer said.
Cr Duncan Butcher said the community might be "better off" going out with their lawn mowers.
Councillors agreed the lower Taieri scheme rating area be extended to include Henley, subject to consultation with residents.
