Supervisors won’t abate again for US Fish & Wildlife

In the meeting on Monday, April 18, the Wright County Board of Supervisors dealt with matters relating to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service again. The board motioned to not abate drainage assessments for the USFW and the U.S. Dept of Interior from 2021 totaling around $215. Supervisor Dean Kluss again reiterated his opinion that these entities should have to pay drainage assessments and other taxes despite current law.

The board signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the Tice Farm acquisition. This is the land purchased around Elm and Cornelia Lakes for wetland mitigation and other conservation efforts. According to Conservation Director Eric Rector, the memo put protections in place for future county conservation boards surrounding the land. The memo says that the county will not sell the land and if they do it must be in an open auction. It also stipulates that if the land is sold, organizations who originally donated to the project will get their money back.

Adam Clemons, Wright County Engineer, asked the board to consider an updated permit application for surface application of dust control material. These permits are for companies to be approved as dust control applicators through the county. Clemons also emphasized that the county will continue normal hauling and maintenance on areas that have been treated for dust, including granular applications if it is in their schedule.

In other board business, they approved a 28E agreement with Heartland Museum. Recorder Denise Baker asked the board to consider a new hire in her office for a clerk position. The name will be released pending physical and drug screening.