Drainage trustees accept engineering report for Joint Drainage District 162‑7 and set informational meeting March 19

Wright County — Acting as drainage trustees, members of the Wright County Board of Supervisors accepted an engineer’s report for Joint Drainage District (JDD) 162‑7 and scheduled an informational meeting for landowners on March 19 at 4:30 p.m. at the Wright County courthouse.

Colin, the presenting engineer, said the district covers about 1,400 acres — most in Wright County — and that runoff from adjacent Drainage District 151 increases flows into JDD 162‑7. "For all of that work together, we've got a cost estimate of $1,660,000," Colin said when summarizing the tentative plan, which includes replacing or adding a larger (for example, 48‑inch) main tile and optional extensions to the north and northeast depending on landowner interest.

Colin recommended holding an informational meeting first so landowners could review maps, ask questions and consider pre‑classification work that would later define individual assessments. "What I'm recommending is that we have an informational meeting first," he said, noting the informational session is not a formal hearing and would not include a vote on the project that day.

Board discussion focused on logistics: how many landowners would be affected (Colin estimated "15 or less"), whether Humboldt County representatives could participate, what timing would avoid planting season and whether to request tile-pattern maps from landowners in advance to inform design. Trustees and staff agreed Humboldt County would help send notices.

Outcome and next steps: The trustees voted to accept the engineer’s report and set an informational meeting for March 19 at 4:30 p.m. at the county courthouse; Humboldt County agreed to assist with mailing informal notices. Colin and county staff said a formal hearing and any final decision on moving forward would follow additional outreach, potential pre‑classifications and any report revisions requested by landowners.

Construction timing: Colin said actual construction would likely not begin until fall to avoid impacts on planting, and that a formal decision and contracting process could push significant work into September.

Financials and cautions: The $1.66 million estimate averages roughly $1,200 per acre; trustees and the engineer noted that final landowner costs would depend on pre‑classification results and any requested scope changes. The informational meeting will allow landowners to raise concerns and provide additional data to refine the plan.

The trustees adjourned the drainage portion of the meeting after confirming the March 19 informational meeting date and location.