Town of Selma asks drainage board to consider taking a 3,000-foot open ditch; board tables request pending petition and research

Bruce Velas (reported by the surveyor) approached the surveyor about an open ditch the town of Selma installed that drains the eastern part of Selma. The ditch runs roughly 3,000 feet and the town lacks funds to maintain it.

Surveyor (S2) explained the ditch is not currently a regulated drain and outlined options for the board to consider if the town petitions for regulation. He said the board needs a formal petition and must determine whether the municipal request counts as an affected owner petition under state rules or whether a percentage of private landowners must sign. The surveyor noted potential consequences of taking the ditch in as regulated, including a 75-foot right-of-way and assessment changes for private landowners.

Board members discussed thresholds (one discussion cited 50% of landowners or 10% depending on whether the drain is entirely new or an addition), the need to contact adjacent private landowners, and practical maintenance work such as debrushing and spraying cattails. The surveyor suggested the item likely falls below the board’s quote threshold for immediate work but still required a petition to take formal maintenance responsibility.

A commissioner moved to table the Selma ditch item to the next meeting to allow more research and landowner outreach; the motion passed on roll call.

What’s next: The surveyor will investigate petition requirements, confirm the list of affected owners and right-of-way implications, and report back at the next board meeting.