Board hears Maria Coons reconstruction timeline; staff reports uncertainty collecting $10,000 judgment against Mary Fleer

After returning to regular session, the Howard County Drainage Board received an update on planned reconstruction work for the Maria Coons regulated drain and a separate report on collection efforts for a $10,000 judgment.

The surveyor reported that Maria Coons is the next reconstruction on the list and that it will be the last project funded with American Rescue Plan (ARP) dollars, saying the project likely will be under way once crops are out and construction could occur this summer or by fall so the county spends the remaining ARP funds before the end of the year.

Separately, Mr. Wilson updated the board on enforcement efforts to collect a $10,000 judgment against Mary Fleer. Wilson said Fleer failed to appear for a scheduled court date, a body attachment was issued, and two weeks later she was arrested in Benton County on possession of methamphetamine and other charges. The county holds a lien on the property but Wilson said collection prospects are uncertain because of an additional unknown lien discovered during a failed sale. "I don't know what our chances of ever getting money from her are, but we'll continue to monitor and pursue that," Wilson said.

Board members and staff discussed enforcement options, including pursuing tax‑roll collection or sale, but noted prior judgments have been difficult to apply to property taxes and recovery is not guaranteed. The board requested staff continue to explore enforcement avenues and report back.