During a recent government meeting, Scott County officials provided updates on various topics, including the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday closure of county buildings and the ongoing election recount process for the 54A election. The recount is scheduled for Thursday, with a canvassing board meeting to follow on Monday, where candidates will have one week to contest the results if they choose.

The meeting also addressed the completion of the County Drainage Ditch 10 repair project, which has faced scrutiny from local landowners regarding costs and communication. The total cost of the project was finalized at approximately $953,718.65, significantly lower than the initial estimate of $1.25 million. The county has committed to covering some additional maintenance costs, which will not be billed back to the ditch fund.

Landowners expressed concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the financial breakdown of the project, particularly the high costs associated with tree removal. They called for clearer communication and detailed financial reports to ensure they understand the assessments they are responsible for. In response, officials acknowledged the need for improved communication and indicated that future correspondence would include more detailed financial information.

The board also discussed the establishment of a maintenance lien of $60,000 to cover ongoing maintenance activities for the ditch, including regular spraying to control vegetation. This lien is intended to last for at least three years, with plans for annual assessments to ensure the ditch remains in good condition.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the importance of transparency and communication between county officials and landowners, particularly regarding financial matters related to public projects. The board committed to addressing these concerns in future communications and ensuring that landowners are kept informed about ongoing maintenance and costs associated with the drainage system.