If a petition is ultimately successful, there will be fewer Mud Lakes in Crow Wing County.
County board members received a petition from residents to change Mud Lake to Lake Cuyuna. Tuesday, board members agreed to set a public hearing.
The petitioners stated there are now five Mud Lakes in the county. This particular Mud Lake is in Wolford and Rabbit Lake townships and the city of Cuyuna. It flows into Clinker Lake and the west bowl of Rabbit Lake.
"Local residents have been calling this lake Lake Cuyuna or Cuyuna Lake for approximately 15 years and are used to this name," the petition to change the lake stated. Mud Lake has been the name of record for more than 40 years.
The process to change the lake's name is a complex one going through local, state and federal governments. By state law, the petitioners are required to file the petition and pay the county's expenses, such as the cost of publication for the meeting notice.
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County Attorney Don Ryan said the statute requires a bond, which is a bit unusual and he wasn't sure what amount was appropriate. Ryan suggested $1,000 bond.
Commissioner Doug Houge, who represents the area, said he had no problem with the name change but questioned how much would be required for the bond. The bond is in place to make sure the county's costs are recovered.
County administrator Tim Houle suggested the county notify all the property owners on the lake.
"We'd be a bit remiss if someone living on the lake didn't hear about the change," Houle said. "So I'd err on the side of caution."
Ryan reported the city of Cuyuna has discussed the issue and is expected to send a letter of support for the name change.
Commissioner Paul Koering questioned the reason for the bond, noting the petitioners will be paying an additional cost for the bond itself. Koering was in favor of the petitioners covering the costs and said he'd be fine if they didn't get a bond to do so.
Ryan said if the petitioners put the money in up-front, they could waive the need for the bond.
The board voted to set a public hearing on Sept. 23 and to be in compliance with the intent of the statute and allow latitude to discuss how much and to what degree a bond is necessary and/or cash.
