Yankton‑Clay ditch work moves forward after competitive bidding; contractor timing and payments spark close oversight

Clay County officials moved the long‑running Yankton‑Clay ditch cleanup into construction in mid‑2020, awarding the work to the low responsive bidder and then closely monitoring execution and payments.

Ulteig Engineering prepared the project with drone flyovers and segmentized bidding. After a public bid opening the board awarded the contract to 3‑D Digging & Trucking (low responsive bidder). The board and the engineer later adjusted scope and timelines to match available ditch fund balances, removing some segments so work would fit the budget. County staff cautioned bidders that crop and seasonal conditions could constrain start dates and that change orders would be scrutinized.

Highway Superintendent Rod Polley told commissioners the contractor began vegetation removal and mulching but that tree sizes and crop timing affected how much work could be completed in the fall. Commissioners later approved a payment to Pollman Excavation for Clay Creek/Lateral 50 cleanup after reviewing the invoice in a specially convened ditch‑board session; Polley told the board he had asked Ulteig to check elevations before final Lateral 50 payment was made.

Why this matters: the dredging and tree/brush removal program addresses long‑standing drainage and flood risks across county ditches shared with neighboring Yankton County; decisions affect levy rates, contractor selection and how much taxpayer ditch‑fund balance is spent this season.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 072; topfinish SEG 692