Board approves fall 2026 drainage assessments after debate over FEMA‑linked costs

The Kossuth County Board of Supervisors approved the drainage assessment schedule for fall 2026 after trustees and supervisors debated which charges to include and how to reconcile prior assessments with expected FEMA reimbursements.

Drainage clerk Heather presented updated spreadsheets listing outstanding amounts for repair invoices, attorney fees and current season costs. Trustees discussed whether to assess only current, non‑FEMA‑eligible invoices — which would produce a smaller, more justifiable bill — or to assess the full outstanding balance including costs from earlier repair projects and litigation.

Board members noted the previous large assessment (about $700,000) reduced a roughly $1.1 million balance, but questions remain about separating attorney fees and other items that FEMA will not reimburse. One supervisor urged keeping assessments current to avoid accruing additional interest; another said landowners might prefer a smaller assessment now rather than more interest later.

Staff reported that invoices from July 1, 2025 through the present total roughly $78,888.97 (not including the 5% annual interest), and supervisors agreed to approve the assessment schedule with the direction that staff break out FEMA‑related expenses from other, current charges for clearer justification at public hearings.

The board also discussed setting clearer cut‑off dates for future assessment claim runs and improving bid descriptions for ditch spraying to ensure comparable contractor bids. The drainage assessments motion carried by voice vote.