The McLeod County Board held a public hearing and adopted drainage maintenance assessments for 2026 and set the county general‑fund loan interest rate for drainage loans at 4%.

County staff presented a summary of proposed assessments by drainage system, noting totals for many systems and a five‑year assessment history. Staff reported 2025 repairs, spraying and inspector expenses totaled $956,672, a decrease of $340,222 from the prior year. The assessment roll included a seven‑year determination for CD3 at $79,566 and one‑year assessments for numerous systems; staff stated the assessment total presented was $835,277. Staff also reported general‑fund drainage loans increased from $1,563,623 (June 30, 2024) to $2,012,949 in 2025 and recommended maintaining a 4% interest rate for 2026 loans.

The board opened the hearing for public comment; James Steinman of Collins Township stated he objected to “present and future proceedings” based on prior submissions and letters. After public comment the board moved to adopt Resolution 25 CB22 to set the 2026 drainage assessments and then set the 2026 general‑fund loan interest at 4% following staff recommendation and comparison with neighboring counties.

Both motions passed by voice vote: the resolution to set assessments was moved by Commissioner Wright and seconded by Commissioner Krueger; the motion to set the interest rate at 4% was moved by Commissioner Wright and seconded by Commissioner Schmalls. Commissioners thanked drainage and SWCD staff for their work compiling assessments and noted multi‑year items in neighboring counties that may affect future assessments.

Board members directed staff to consider mitigation and continue cooperation with adjacent counties on joint drainage systems.