F. Contracting and Levying for Maintenance and Repair F. Contracting and Levying for Maintenance and Repair

F. Contracting and Levying for Maintenance and Repair

If the recommended maintenance and repair costs in any given year for a particular drainage system are less than the greater of the dollar amount requiring the solicitation of sealed bids under Minn. Stat. § 471.345 subd. 3, or $1,000 per mile of open ditch in the system, the work may be accomplished by force account (i.e., hired labor and equipment) without a bid letting for a contract. However, it is a common and recommended practice for the drainage authority to obtain quotes from three or more contractors, when feasible and practical. Repairs resulting from a disaster also may be accomplished without sealed bids if (1) the drainage system is destroyed or impaired by floods, natural disaster, or unforeseen circumstances; (2) federal disaster funds have been made available; and (3) the public interests would be damaged by the repair being delayed.

The drainage authority is also limited in the amount of funds available for levying. The levy on any given public drainage system in a calendar year may not exceed the maximum amount of the following: (1) 20% of the benefits of the drainage system; (2) $1,000 per mile of open ditch in the drainage system, or (3) the dollar amount requiring the solicitation of sealed bids under Minn. Stat. § 471.345 subdivision 3, except under the disaster provisions noted above.