Wright County trustees approve small invoice, debate engineer report after DD 36 cost overrun; urgent DD 80 repair authorized

Wright County supervisors meeting as trustees for the county's drainage districts approved a $582.50 invoice for Moddam Construction and discussed major cost overruns on Drainage District (DD) 36 lateral C, while staff authorized an immediate $12,500 repair to two blowouts on DD 80. Trustees also instructed staff to notify landowners about an informational meeting set for Jan. 13, 2025, at 9 a.m.

The board approved the Moddam Construction claim that had been presented as an invoice and signed a separate $20.1 invoice for DD 36 informational hearing notice letters. Supervisors voted to change multiple minutes that previously referenced "lateral 3" to the correct designation, "lateral C."

Why it matters: the DD 36 repair has exceeded thresholds in state drainage law that trigger additional procedures, including an engineer's report and a landowner informational meeting. Trustees debated whether to commission an engineering report after contractors' work pushed the project well above the earlier estimate, and they tabled a motion to appoint an engineer pending further review.

Most important facts

- Invoice approvals and minutes: The trustees approved a $582.50 drainage claim for…