The Scott County Ditch Board continued deliberations on County Ditch 4 (Credit River) on Nov. 18 after staff presented updated technical findings, bids and assessment scenarios that shaped the board's policy choices.

Unidentified counsel recapped the multimonth proceeding and said the central policy question is whether the drainage authority can justify assessing the current beneficiaries to meet the City of Credit River's transfer conditions. Counsel told the board: "You are under no obligation to transfer this system," and described the legal difference between abandonment and transfer, including the right-of-way and inspection rights that accompany a formal transfer.

Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) staff reported they solicited bids for four rehabilitation segments and received one full bid totaling $141,125. Staff presented assessment scenarios to spread rehabilitation and fund-balance costs across the current benefit role (294 parcels, 252 taxpayers): for example, a $50,000 assessment would average about $170 per parcel; $75,000 would average ~$255; $100,000 ~$340 and a $150,000 scenario would average ~$510 per parcel. Staff also estimated a redetermination of benefits could cost roughly $40,000'$60,000 on a watershed this size.

Technical staff and engineers explained sediment sources: the Credit River itself contributes a sediment load at the junction into the ditch, PD soils in segment 1 slough naturally, downstream bank failure and several ravines (including a major eroding ravine) are delivering persistent sediment. Staff warned that removing channel sediment without addressing upstream ravine erosion could be only a temporary fix.

Commissioners voiced concern that a small set of benefited owners would shoulder disproportionate costs for work caused in part by broader development and upstream erosion. Several board members expressed that if restoration is not practical or justifiable, the board should consider abandonment. Counsel clarified abandonment does not prevent later maintenance by cities, watershed groups or state grants, but it does remove the drainage authority's assessment mechanism.

Faced with those options, the board approved a motion for the chair, a commissioner and county administrator to meet directly with the City of Credit River to discuss whether the city would accept a transfer without conditions, and to return with options. After amendment the board voted to continue the hearing on the abandonment of County Ditch 4 to Dec. 16, 2025 at 08:00 AM.

In the same meeting the board adopted resolution 2025-270 to enter a contract with KA Witt Construction Inc. for maintenance on County Ditch 10 at a bid price of $59,750. SWCD will oversee contract compliance.

Next steps: staff will meet with Credit River officials before the Dec. 16 continuation. The board will receive any new responses from the city and updated cost information before deciding whether to proceed with transfer, redetermine benefits, fund rehabilitation work by assessment, or move toward abandonment.