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Landowner voices worry as Blue Earth County accepts viewers’ report for County Ditch 59
Summary
The Board accepted the viewers’ report that updates benefit percentages for County Ditch 59 after a final hearing; landowners including an 82‑year‑old resident warned assessed bills could be unaffordable and said they feared losing property if large repairs proceed.
The Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners accepted the viewers’ report on the redetermination of benefits for County Ditch 59 at its July 28 meeting.
Viewer Wes Dahl, representing the Minnesota Viewers Association, explained the viewers’ method — acreage, soil type, proximity to open ditch or tile, presence of county tile and system efficiency — and said the CD59 system comprises about 2,358 acres and 45,610 feet of county tile. Dahl said the viewers’ listing produced a total benefit value of $2,737,000; the report used a $5,000 baseline assessment figure to calculate percentages and will be the basis for future repair assessments. ‘‘We built a book on each system and it’s the landowner’s information,’’ Dahl said, offering to share files with landowners who raise parcel‑specific concerns.
During the public comment period, Sandra Radloff, who identified herself as a landowner with the culvert on her property, said she and other elderly landowners are concerned about paying future assessments. ‘‘My bill will be between $90,000 maybe and $126,000 … We’re in our eighties, and I don’t know how we’re gonna pay for this,’’ Radloff said, urging the board to leave the situation as is. Commissioners responded that the hearing before the board was limited to redetermining benefit percentages and that any repair or improvement proposals and their costs would be subject to separate future hearings and additional landowner meetings.
After discussion, the board moved, seconded and approved acceptance of the jurisdictional documents and the viewers’ report. Commissioners said additional outreach and hearings will follow when specific repair options and cost estimates are developed.
