Wisconsin § 88.21 - General powers of the drainage board.

Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 88.21 — General powers of the drainage board., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 88.21. General powers of the drainage board.

In addition to other powers expressly granted or necessarily implied, the drainage board may: 88.21(1) (1) Adopt and use a corporate seal. 88.21(2) (2) Sue and be sued and compromise suits and controversies. 88.21(3) (3) Bring all necessary actions for the collection of moneys and forfeitures belonging to a district under its jurisdiction and for the protection and preservation of all works and property thereof. 88.21(4) (4) Obtain injunctions to prevent unlawful interference with the performance of its duties or exercise of any of its powers. 88.21(5) (5) Employ legal counsel, engineers and other assistants. Any engineer employed by the board shall be selected from a list of professional engineers approved by the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection. The department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection shall furnish each drainage board, upon request, a list of professional engineers whom it considers qualified by training and experience to give competent advice in drainage matters. 88.21(6) (6) Purchase or condemn such lands, whether within or outside a district, as are necessary for the construction, cleaning out, repair and maintenance of the drainage system and its works. Condemnation shall be as provided by ch. 32 . 88.21(8) (8) Level or permit the leveling of spoil banks and excavated materials to allow cultivation or use for roadway or other lawful purposes if such use will not interfere with the proper functioning of the drains. 88.21(9) (9) Purchase or lease and maintain and operate the equipment and machinery necessary to construct, maintain or repair the drains within the districts under its jurisdiction, including the control of weeds or brush through use of herbicides. 88.21(10) (10) Purchase, construct, maintain and operate all levees, bulkheads, reservoirs, silt basins, holding basins, floodways, floodgates and pumping machinery necessary to the successful drainage or protection of any district or of any considerable area thereof, whether located within or outside the district. 88.21(11) (11) Call district meetings to report on the affairs of the district and to obtain the opinions and suggestions of landowners in the district with regard to the affairs of the district. 88.21(12) (12) Adopt rules and issue orders, which shall be published as a class 1 notice under ch. 985 . In addition, any order that pertains to a specific named person or property shall be served on the person or owner of the property in the manner provided for service of a summons under s.

Source: official Wisconsin text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 88.21

What does Wisconsin Statutes § 88.21 cover?

Section 88.21 ("General powers of the drainage board.") is part of the Wisconsin Statutes, the codified statutory law of Wisconsin. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Wisconsin § 88.21?

A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 88.21" (Wisconsin). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Wisconsin law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Wisconsin official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney.

How does Wisconsin § 88.21 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Wisconsin can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.