Burleigh County will not be withdrawing from the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District, at least for now, following a decision by the district’s Board of Directors. The Board of Directors on Thursday denied a petition from Burleigh County that sought to exit the district. This decision means the county’s official process to leave the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District, a process that had been set in motion, has been halted for the time being.
County officials from Burleigh County had made their case to leave the Garrison Diversion District, presenting arguments that local taxpayers were financially disadvantaged by their membership. These officials contended that residents and businesses within Burleigh County pay significantly more into the district than they ultimately receive in benefits or services. This financial disparity was a central point of their petition to withdraw from the conservancy district.
The issue of Burleigh County's potential departure has been a topic of public discussion and official proceedings. Garrison Diversion Conservancy District General Manager Duane DeKrey previously spoke during a public hearing specifically focused on Burleigh County's petition to leave the district. Such hearings provide a forum for both district officials and county representatives to present their perspectives on the proposed withdrawal.
Furthermore, the topic has entered local political discourse. Burleigh County Auditor and candidate Mark Splonskowski addressed questions related to county decisions during a debate held in September. This event took place in the Tom Baker Room inside the City/County Building and also featured other Burleigh County Commission candidates. During the 90-minute session, commission candidates discussed decisions they most disagreed with and responded to criticism, indicating the broader context of local governance and taxpayer concerns.
The Garrison Diversion Conservancy District plays a role in water management in North Dakota. A significant part of its infrastructure includes a stretch of the McClusky Canal. This canal is integral to the district's operations, utilizing water that is pumped from Lake Audubon. Lake Audubon itself is part of the Missouri River system within North Dakota, highlighting the regional scope of the district's activities. The interaction between such district operations and county finances was at the heart of Burleigh County’s argument for withdrawal.
