McLeod County approves repair plans and engineering estimates for three county ditches totaling roughly $264,200

McLeod County commissioners on April 7 approved engineering scope-of-service estimates from Houston Engineering for repair, specifications and construction management of three county ditches previously authorized at a repair hearing.

Auditor/Treasurer Connie presented estimated fees per ditch: County Ditch 8 ($137,800), County Ditch 10 ($68,100) and County Ditch 36 ($58,300). The board directed separate motions for each ditch. Commissioner Ry stated his parcel is an outlet for CD10 and recused himself from discussion and the vote on that item. For CD8 and CD36 the board moved and approved the agreements by voice vote; approval for CD10 was similarly moved and passed without Commissioner Ry participating.

Connie noted the fee estimates are based on Houston Engineering's hourly fee schedule and do not include county staff staking time, which will reduce costs. The board emphasized that when acting on these items it was in its capacity as the drainage authority.