Board finalizes corn snow fence policy

In her weekly update, Sandy McGrath noted that the COVID case count is at 1,948 for Wright County. There were 15 new cases in the past week. McGrath said that the Delta variant is prevalent and is two times more transmissible than previous variants. She added that she is seeing more children and even babies getting the virus. Vaccinated people can get the Delta variant though the symptoms are usually quite mild. McGrath said that the best weapon against Delta is vaccination as that is still proving very effective. “This virus is not going to stop until we take away the host,” she said. “If it has ‘food,’ it will continue to survive.” The vaccine is widely available, including at Tuesday and Thursday clinics at Public Health.

County Engineer Adam Clemons put the final touches on the standing corn snow fence policy, which the board approved. The policy reflects the August 1^st cash bid price of corn- $6.12, as stated by both New Coop and Gold-Eagle. There is an additional $2 premium per bushel as well. The county will contact landowners they have previously identified as having locations for fences.

Clemons also discussed the issue of ditch clean outs. These projects are often necessary for adequate drainage off roads. Clemons explained the costs of recent clean outs. One work order cleaning out 1,580 feet of ditch cost over $12,000 with equipment, manpower and hauling the dirt. Clemons has calculated that there will likely be a significant savings if the county is able to cast the dirt into fields rather than hauling it away. With this option, they would pay farmers for crop damage. The board noted that they are interested in this but want to talk to county attorneys first. The issue will be revisited at later meetings. 

In other business, the board held a conference call with Franklin County to discuss repairs on a few joint drainage districts. At the end of the meeting, the board went into closed session to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent pertaining to the Pogge matter. When they came out of closed session, the board decided to go with “Option B.”

Later that day, the board held a workshop in discussions of the American Rescue Plan funding and to review projects.