The McLeod County Board, acting as the drainage authority, on July 15 approved scope‑of‑services agreements with Houston Engineering Inc. of Maple Grove to prepare repair reports for County Ditch 8, County Ditch 10 and County Ditch 36.
The board approved the following estimated costs as presented by staff: County Ditch 8 repair report at $45,500 (funds from the County Ditch 8 budget); County Ditch 10 repair report at a stated total of $42,500, which the presenter described as including a base cost of $34,000 and an optional alternative cost of $88,500 (funds from the County Ditch 10 budget); and County Ditch 36 repair report at $30,400 (funds from the County Ditch 36 budget).
Staff and commissioners emphasized these are engineering estimates and scope reports to identify repair needs, alternatives and likely costs; final repair work and any levies would be determined after the reports are complete. Commissioner Schmalz and others noted landowner comments at prior hearings indicating a desire to have the systems repaired.
Each motion to approve the respective scope was made and seconded during the meeting and carried. Staff said deliverables from Houston Engineering are expected by December 31, 2025, and that costs will be billed to the individual ditch systems per drainage authority practice.