Supervisors approve 18-19 budget amendment

For the third time this current fiscal year, the Wright County Board of Supervisors were presented and approved an 18-19 budget amendment. The document shows total revenues decreasing by just over $2.74 million, with a difference in total expenses at minus $891,177. In a separate current budget-related item, a transfer from AgriBusiness back to General Basic of $50,000 and a transfer of $125,000 from Commercial/Radio Towers back to General Basic were also approved. According to Auditor Betty Ellis, this will pay off the short-term loans for each.

New drainage clerk Courtney Stewart presented to the Board the Drainage District assessments that were eligible for a spread of payments. The Board made decisions on each for either a 10, 15 or 20-year spread, and directed Stewart to present those to each affected landowner. In a separate but related matter, the process to obtain easements from landowners directly south of the Ag-Business Park is underway. The plan is to tile from the park and through that land to carry water to the open ditch. Supervisor Dean Kluss said that we seem to have verbal agreement from them, so now he will work on obtaining signatures for same.

The Board again spent some time discussing the courthouse roof project. Building & Grounds Director Andy Yackle asked for an estimate from a firm in Fort Dodge, which came back rather high and is over the threshold which means it would need to be put out for bids. Supervisor & Board Chair Rick Rasmussen wondered what the architect (Samuels) cost would be. “We need to take care of the roof,” said Rasmussen. Ellis knows of another firm to also contact for an estimate, so Rasmussen will direct Yackle to obtain estimates from both.

In an item that was tabled from last Monday’s agenda, and then acted on in a special session last Tuesday, the Board approved the low bid of Cedar Valley Corporation of Waterloo of $491, 591.20 for the PCC project on 275th Street. It is eligible for RISE grant funding. At last Monday’s meeting, Economic Development Director Cindy Litwiller stated that ReNewTrient wants to get in the ground (to build their new facility) as soon as possible. Rasmussen responded by asking what would be the county’s legal recourse if they go belly up (as the road is being built to accommodate them). Following discussion with the county attorney, the issues have been resolved and the bid can now be awarded. Other bidders included Wicks Construction ($498,233.49), Godbersen-Smith ($499,337.38), Cole Excavating ($509,879.20) and Absolute Concrete Construction ($539,334.96).