County to redetermine ditch benefits this fall
October 15th, 2009Sibley County will begin redetermining benefits on five ditch systems, once harvest is completed this fall.
County Commissioners, Tuesday, approved an agreement with Ron Ringquist to provide consulting services for the redetermination of ditch benefits project. Work is expected to begin on determining benefits for five ditch systems – 2, 11, 18, 22, and 49.
As part of the agreement, Ringquist will be paid $60 per hour, plus be reimbursed for travel at the IRS allowable rate, and for other expenses, such as copies. His contract will not exceed $55,000.
The review of the five ditch systems is expected to take one and a half years, according to Jeff Majeski, environmental services director.
County Commissioners appointed LeRoy Messner, John Dotolo, and Ringquist as the ditch viewers for the redetermination of ditch benefits project. Rueben Meyer and Vernon Ruschmeyer will serve as alternates. A meeting between the viewers and County officials to begin the project will be held Thursday.
Compensation for the viewers was set at $100 per half day and $200 per full day. Majeski estimated that the viewers would be needed approximately 90 days.
The redetermination project will start with about 30,000 acres, Majeski said.
Reasons for redetermination of benefits are because drainage systems cannot operate on 1920 dollars anymore. In addition, a one rod grass strip on both sides of County ditches will be mandated at some point.
Other reasons for redetermining benefits are because land use and tiling practices have changed, and to get the values up to date, so money can be available for repairs and maintenance on the ditch system when there are needed.
There are 120 ditches in Sibley County. Only 25.66 miles on different County ditches currently have a one rod grass strip. Sibley County has 550 miles of open ditch.
