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Supervisors discuss drainage district repair cost overruns, reclassification and approve 2025 ditch spraying estimate
Summary
Winnebago County supervisors discussed cost increases on a small drainage district repair after contractors found deep sand requiring extra rock; they also voted to approve a 2025 spraying estimate for drainage ditches from Brush and Weed Control Specialists and agreed to communicate costs and classification changes to landowners.
Supervisors spent significant time on drainage district maintenance, discussing a recent repair where contractors reported unexpectedly deep sand and a need for substantially more rock. County staff said an original estimate near $47,000 had been exceeded and the final apparent cost was approximately $58,000'$11,000 over the original estimate.
County staff said the repair area was so sandy that equipment "would sink" and crews used metal plates and additional rock to stabilize the site; multiple haul trips and skid loaders were required. Supervisors said they plan to notify affected landowners that the repair will trigger a district reclassification and that the additional expense and reclassification costs will be shared with property owners in the district.
On a related item, the board considered and approved a 2025 spraying estimate from Brush and Weed Control Specialists for drainage ditches. Supervisor Jen Schulz moved to approve the 2025 spraying estimate; the motion was seconded and carried by recorded ayes.
Board members also discussed coordination with a neighboring landowner and county about shared boundary treatments, saying each side will pay for the work on its property to keep costs equitable. Supervisors asked staff to compile the contractor paperwork and to notify landowners ahead of meetings that will finalize assessments and reclassification.
Ending: Staff will total the contractor's sheets, notify affected landowners of the reclassification and bring detailed cost and assessment figures to the next district meeting.
