Blue Earth County commissioners approve ditch repair contract, final culvert payments and annual reports

At its July 7, 2026 meeting the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners approved a repair contract for County Ditch 56, authorized final payments on two culvert projects and accepted the highway and parks departments’ 2025 annual reports.

Ryan (Drainage) told the board that only one contractor submitted a bid for the County Ditch 56 Branch 5 crossing at County State Highway 20. "The engineer's estimate for the proposed repair work is $33,803.70," he said, and reported that Sally Excavating submitted a lump-sum bid of $29,746. "ISG recommends awarding the repair contract to Sally Excavating," Ryan said. The board moved to approve the contract and the motion carried on a voice vote.

Ryan (Drainage) also reported that a petition for partial abandonment affecting County Ditch 77 Branch 1 was received on June 25 and that Attorney KLR Van Bruggen had reviewed the petition and found it adequate under Minnesota Statute 103E.806. The board voted to order appointment of an engineer to report on the proposed partial abandonment.

On public-works items, Ryan (Public Works) recommended approval of final contract payment for state aid project 007598O38, the County Road 156 box culvert replacement done by Minnewas Construction. He said the original contract amount was $517,183 and the remaining payment due is $13,619.78 for a final total contract payment of $515,226.10; the board approved the final payment.

The board also approved final payment for County Project 2184, the County Road 184 box culvert replacement, where Ryan said the original contract was $182,713 and the final payment was $1,989.03 for a total of $198,902.96.

The board considered the Highway Department’s 2025 annual report included in the packet and, after brief praise from commissioners for the thoroughness of the report, voted to approve it. The Parks Department’s 2025 annual report — noting completed projects and somewhat higher revenues tied to modest rate increases — was also approved after commissioners commended parks staff for upkeep and usage.

Other administrative actions taken during the open meeting included approval of the prior meeting minutes, acceptance of two weeks of bills for payment, and approval of an exempt-gambling permit for the Ronald McDonald House for Southeast Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. The board recessed following routine commissioner reports.

The board’s votes were voice votes unless otherwise recorded; motions were moved and seconded during the meeting record.