Committee reviews bill to let Sargent County vote alone on drainage assessments; action delayed
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Summary
Lawmakers discussed a bill that would allow Sargent County to hold elections that exclude Ransom County property owners from voting on certain drainage assessments; committee chose to hold the measure pending related legislation.
The Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee discussed a measure intended to let Sargent County voters approve a drainage project that would obligate only Sargent County property owners, excluding Ransom County from the vote or financial obligation.
A senator summarizing testimony said the measure would let Sargent County proceed with a drainage-cleanout project and exempt Ransom County from paying assessments while still satisfying a state Supreme Court requirement that affected property owners vote. “This bill would allow Sargent County to have a vote without Ransom County voting, and then they would have a better chance to pass so that they can continue to clean out their drain,” the senator said.
Committee members also tied consideration of this bill to related legislation, including a wetlands/watershed measure (bills 2276 and 2325 referenced) and said they were waiting for work in the House and AG’s office. One senator suggested the committee should “hang on to this another day” until companion bills are resolved; no formal committee vote was recorded in the transcript.
Committee staff and members agreed to hold the item and monitor related House committee action before taking further steps.
No final action or floor recommendation was recorded in the transcript.