Drainage

Duties & Responsibilities

Faribault County consists of 113 public drainage systems, with over 260 miles of public open ditch and 700 miles of tile. 

Systems are owned by all benefited landowners, and only managed by the county.  Three county entities share responsibility for management of public drainage systems:  the Drainage Department, Drainage Authority, and Auditor/Treasurer.

Repairs and inspection of drainage systems are handled by the Drainage Department.  In addition, Drainage Department staff:

  • Advise the Drainage Authority through MN Statutes 103E;
  • Act as a liaison between landowners, contractors, engineers, Viewers, attorneys, County Auditor, and Drainage Authority;
  • Conduct public hearings and informational meetings to identify potential issues and solutions;
  • Coordinate preventative maintenance;
  • Identify potential ditch protection (erosion control) and water quality enhancement projects;
  • Provide planning for priority stretches and cost analysis for repairs;
  • Work with related agencies to ensure the best and most efficient services possible.

The Faribault County Board of Commissioners serve as the Drainage Authority, having jurisdiction over a system or project. 

  • The Drainage Authority is obligated to repair and maintain all systems, but cannot advocate for or against improvements, abandonments, or additions.  These must be initiated by landowners.

Assessments, levies, and records of ditch proceedings are handled by the Auditor/Treasurer.

Staff Contacts

Name Title
Merissa Lore Drainage Manager
Dustin Anderson Project Manager
Luke Schonborn Drainage Inspector