Board of Commissioners and Drainage Authority Meeting (08-11-2026)

The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners and Drainage Authority met on August 11, 2026, addressing several procurement and contract matters. Key procurement discussions included awarding a contract to Landware Construction for a township bridge project (SAP 056599-064) with bids coming in 18% under estimate, and approving a contract with Hammers Construction for renovations at the Pelican Rapids Family Resource Center. The latter contract required change orders to reduce costs to fit within a $500,000 Department of Education grant, with some project components deferred to stay within budget. The board also discussed compliance with prevailing wage requirements for the New York Mills Family Resource Center project and ongoing coordination with contractors to adjust project scope accordingly. Additionally, the board approved trapping and removal of beaver dams impacting county ditches, including payment authorization for Christensen Construction for related work. A drainage issue involving culvert extensions and property access was deliberated, with plans to allow an extension at the property owner's cost while awaiting township input on further driveway approaches. The meeting included motions passed unanimously to approve contracts, memorandums of understanding related to staffing, and payment resolutions for ditch maintenance work. The board also emphasized the need for future presentations on operational costs and community benefits of family resource centers to inform ongoing investments.