The Fergus Falls Daily Journal

By Seth Johnson

• Latest Stories

  • E-Mail 'Service Technician ' To A Friend
  • E-Mail 'Service Writer ' To A Friend
  • E-Mail 'Sales' To A Friend
  • E-Mail 'Parade of Norway ' To A Friend
  • E-Mail 'CASHIERS IN C-STORE' To A Friend

County board OKs Marion Lake LID [UPDATED]

Published 7:47am Wednesday, July 18, 2012 Updated 11:50am Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Because of the growing number of Otter Tail County lakes facing issues like flooding and aquatic invasive species infestations, Marion Lake property owners have decided to take proactive measures.functional

Marion Lake, two miles southeast of Dent, is the first in Otter Tail County to establish a lake improvement district for proactive purposes only. LIDs are usually established out of necessity when a lake is facing a crisis situation like flooding or AIS infestation, said Marion Lake LID committee member Ellen Palmer.

The benefit of an LID comes when funds are required for specific needs. Lake associations do not have the authority to tax, but when a LID is established, funds can be acquired through taxing of residents within the district.

LIDs can serve a variety of purposes, but the Marion Lake LID was established to maintain, protect and improve water quality. It will not deal with issues regarding individual property owners, Palmer said.

Residents in the potential district were surveyed, and 140 responded in favor of the establishment of a LID and only 13 opposed. Eight responded by saying they would like more information.

The overwhelming support from residents helped the county board make the unanimous decision to approve the resolution to establish a Marion Lake LID. After the vote, commissioners applauded the LID committee members for being proactive instead of waiting for a crisis to take action.

“Sometimes we feel like firefighters,” said commissioner Wayne Johnson.