Cass County flood-sales-tax committee approves multiple local repair payments, refers Harwood study to diversion authority

The Cass County Flood Sales Tax Committee on April 21 approved funding adjustments and cost shares for several local flood‑protection projects, heard a finance update showing roughly $8.58 million available for new projects, and referred a feasibility study from the City of Harwood to the Red River diversion authority for further review.

The committee’s finance director reported a fund balance of $10,980,000 for the overall account and an unencumbered balance of $8,580,000 available for project requests as of March 31. Year‑to‑date sales tax receipts were $6,180,000; 6% of the designated 0.5% sales tax (about $371,000) is allocated to the flood sales tax committee. Interest earned to date was $248,000, for a total cash inflow of about $620,000. Year‑to‑date project payouts totaled $1,700,000. Requests presented at the meeting totaled $78,930, including $28,117 for previously approved projects and $50,813 in new requests.

Sheldon Subdivision ring dike: The committee approved an amendment to previously authorized cost sharing for a ring dike to protect 14 homes in the Sheldon Subdivision. Presenters said the construction bid was $394,935.15 and the project total is estimated at $790,410.67. The State Water Commission is expected to cover roughly 60% of eligible costs (about $335,957), and the committee reiterated its local cost‑share posture of 75% on eligible local items. Because the State…