County weighs longer repayment for large ditch assessments as beaver work and projects continue

Todd County commissioners heard a detailed update on ditch maintenance work Sept. 16 and directed staff to prepare assessment resolutions for multiple ditch systems. County ditch staff reported recurring beaver problems and brush‑spraying needs across several ditches and said some ditches currently lack sufficient fund balances to cover recent maintenance costs.

The county’s ditch inspector walked the board through specific ditches that require future work — dredging, dam removal, brush spraying and short‑section cleanups — and told commissioners the objective is to “assess ahead” so fund balances can cover maintenance when problems recur. Ditch 42 was identified as having the largest outstanding expenses without sufficient fund balance; staff presented a parcel‑level assessment schedule and said their standard policy is to offer five‑year repayment at 2% interest.

At a prior meeting with affected landowners, some property owners asked for a 10‑year repayment schedule because several parcels showed relatively large assessment amounts. The inspector and auditor‑treasurer told the board the county previously used a 10‑year repayment for a large County Ditch 18 project and could bring a resolution to extend repayment terms for Ditch 42 if the board wanted to deviate from the standard five‑year policy.

Board direction and next steps: Commissioners asked staff to prepare the formal assessment resolutions and bring back a draft that would include the current option (one‑year assessment with no interest for smaller projects) and an alternative 10‑year 2% repayment plan for Ditch 42. Staff noted they will also offer a 60‑day prepayment window that lets landowners avoid interest charges and that some landowners historically prepay assessments. Staff said they will deliver the assessment package for board action at the next meeting.

Limits and context: The discussion focused on the assessment mechanics and cash‑flow management of ditch funds; no final assessment resolution was adopted at the Sept. 16 meeting. Commissioners emphasized balancing the needs of individual landowners with fund sustainability and noted prior precedent for extended repayment terms on large projects.