To the Editor:
This letter is to make patrons of Mid-Dakota Rural Water aware of a policy change that occurred April 10. It’s policy 309 and addresses refused easements. The previous policy would not allow water hook-ups if a landowner had ever refused an easement on their land. The new policy lets consumers receive water if they’d refused an easement. as long as it has been six or more years since the refusal. This policy was approved by eight board members with one dissenting vote.
If you look at a refused easement, in some situations the line can be run through a road ditch with minimal additional cost. In other situations, a line may need to be rerouted a great distance, at great expense, to avoid a landowner who wouldn’t grant the easement. Any additional costs are being paid by other users in an increased water bill.