Alicia DeSchepper

The Commissioners met in regular session, approving the agenda and consent items, which included travel requests for the Highway Superintendent and staff. The board convened briefly as a Joint Board of Commissioners and Planning to approve minutes from a previous date and subsequently approved a plat resolution for TRACT 1 OF RENTSCHLER'S ADDITION. Business resumed with the approval of a purchase request for upfitting a 2026 Dodge Durango and the purchase of a 2021 Midland TC3000 Belly Dump Trailer. The board adopted a resolution establishing weight limits of seven tons per axle for all roads during the spring thaw period. Additionally, a resolution was approved for participation in the Bridge Inspection Program, requesting SDDOT hire IMEG for inspection services. Following an executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters, the board authorized the Chair to sign Semi-Annual Reports for two Community Development Block Grant projects. The meeting concluded with the approval of various claims and warrants from the General, Highway, 911 Service, 24/7 Sobriety, and Flexible Spending Account funds.

The meeting commenced with the swearing-in of a new Commissioner. Key discussions included authorizing the Chair to sign the Request for State Aid for Veteran's Service Officers reimbursement. The Board entered an executive session regarding personnel matters. Actions taken included authorizing the Chair to sign the Minnehaha County Jail Housing Contract for 2026, approval for the Idemia fingerprint machine maintenance agreement, approving a quote for a new mobile radio, and authorizing the Sheriff to sign a subscription quote. The Board also authorized the Chair to sign the Letter of Agreement for 2026 County GIS 911 Data Maintenance services, and approved and issued Temporary Liquor and Beer Licenses for a wedding event. Furthermore, two tax deed properties were declared surplus to be sold, with a Public Auction scheduled for February 17, 2026. Finally, the Board approved various claims, reviewed December payroll data, and filed fee reports for the month.

The meeting commenced with the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair for 2026, resulting in Jerry Doyle as Chair and Dave Reker as Vice-Chair. The Board then entered an executive session for personnel matters. Following this, the Commissioners reviewed the South Dakota Open Meetings laws and signed the Commissioner Code of Conduct. Key discussions included the Rural Access Infrastructure Funding Grant, where the Board approved all eligible Township small structure applications received in 2026. The Sheriff presented contracts which were approved, authorizing the Chair to sign 2026 Jail Housing contracts with Beadle County, Union County, and Clay County at specified daily rates. The Board finalized 2026 Board Assignments and contact assignments. The 2026 Fee Schedules for various county services, including Election, Zoning, 911, DOE, Special Fees, Sheriff, Highway, and Extension Fees, were approved. Biweekly and hourly wages for 2026 were also approved. Furthermore, the Board approved the minutes from December 16, 2025, an invoice for the Extension Office paint project, and authorized the Commission Assistant to sign a Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Quarterly Report. Two resolutions were adopted: one formally adopting the Moody County Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan 2026-2031, and another rescinding Resolution 21092101. Finally, Kendra Eng was appointed to fill the vacant Commissioner District 2 position for the remainder of the term, and various claims were approved for payment.

The special session included several key administrative actions. The Board approved staff step increases for a Heavy Equipment Operator and authorized the hiring of a new Colman Librarian. A major action involved accepting the immediate resignation of Commissioner Dan Miles and subsequently appointing Doug Entringer to fill the vacancy for Commissioner District 5. The Commissioners also authorized the Chair to sign an agreement gifting the Moody County Ambulance Service to the City of Flandreau, effective January 1, 2026. A public hearing was held to consider formal supplemental budgets for the 2025 Budget, resulting in allocations from the General Fund for Court System, Court Appointed Attorney, and Rural Access Infrastructure Fund expenses. Additionally, the Board approved a Contingency Transfer resolution to address insufficient funding across several departments, including Commission, States Attorney, Register of Deeds, Library, and others. Finally, the Board approved claims and warrants for various operational expenses across General, Highway, 911 Service, Emergency Management, and 24/7 Sobriety Funds.

The Commissioners reviewed and approved the agenda and consent agenda, which included the minutes from the December 2, 2025 meeting. Business was temporarily conducted as the Board of Adjustment. Key actions included authorizing the Chair to sign Pay Request #2 for the CDBG-Daycare Facility and approving the hiring of a Library Substitute. The Treasurer presented information on two tax deed properties, leading to authorization for the States Attorney to proceed with eviction on one parcel, with the sale of both properties to be discussed later. The Board approved the accelerated purchase of a 2026 Mack truck. The Sheriff's department received approval for an Intoximeters invoice and authorization was granted to sign the 2026 housing contracts for the Minnehaha County Juvenile Detention Center and the Roberts County Jail. The Chair announced her resignation effective December 31, 2025, which the Board accepted. A discussion was held regarding a potential health insurance stipend for county employees. Finally, the Board approved various claims and warrants across multiple funds, reviewed November payroll reports, and filed fee reports for November.