Wright County commissioners on Nov. 4 approved a joint-powers agreement (JPA) with Stearns County to formalize a roughly 40-year operating relationship for Fairhaven Mill County Park and authorized drainage work on County Ditch 33.

Brad (county staff) told commissioners the JPA formalizes a practice county staff said has been in place for about four decades: county staff meet with Stearns County in spring to plan projects, set budgets and split costs, then invoice for 50% of costs at year end. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the JPA.

On drainage work, the board authorized staff to obtain quotes for tree removal on County Ditch 33 and County Ditch 23 and later approved a proposal from Houston Engineering for work on Ditch 33 not to exceed $39,000, authorizing the agricultural drainage and natural resources supervisor to sign the contract. Commissioners said further approvals will be required for actual clearing work after quotes and contract execution.