The Wright County Board of Commissioners approved payment tiers and interest rates for county drainage authority assessments during their June 24 meeting, while also taking time to honor Speaker Hortman and her husband who died in an act of violence.

The board set drainage assessment payment tiers at one year for amounts of $750 or less, seven years for $750 to $10,000, and 15 years for amounts over $10,000, with a standard 5% interest rate. The tiers will apply to assessments appearing on 2026 tax statements as the county works to reconcile dated expense balances in drainage accounts.

Commissioners also approved a joint powers agreement with the state Department of Corrections to facilitate the transition of staff to the county's new Community Corrections Act operation, which takes effect October 13. The agreement allows the county to bring DOC staff onto county payroll immediately and begin the reimbursement process.

The board scheduled a public hearing for August 11 at 1 p.m. regarding the County Ditch 19 repair report. Commissioners initially considered earlier dates but opted for the later timeframe to accommodate working residents who might attend the hearing.

During the meeting's opening, Chairman Vet led a moment of silence for Speaker Hortman and her husband Mark, who lost their lives in what he described as "a terrible act of violence." The board also recognized Senator Hoffman and his wife, who were injured in the same incident.