Kristi Fritz

The meeting included executive sessions pertaining to contractual and personnel matters. Key actions involved correcting previously published annual salaries for two employees and approving necessary updates. The Commissioners discussed landfill expansion with the Landfill Manager and an associate, authorizing the Chairman to sign the required permit application and Certificate of Applicant. A resolution was adopted to approve the plat of Lay-Z-Day Acres addition. Further actions included transferring funds from the Domestic Abuse Fund to the General Fund and modifying the Personnel Policy regarding funeral leave for family emergencies. The Board authorized the Chairman to sign the engagement letter with Legislative Audit for the 2023 and 2024 audits and approved payment for various claims across multiple departments totaling $78,277.87.

The Commissioners' session addressed several official actions and discussions. Key topics included approving the purchase of three new computers for the States Attorney's office, the denial of an MOU intended to amend the Collective Bargaining agreement regarding holidays, and a discussion with Sisseton City representatives concerning snow removal coordination on county roads within the city limits. The Board adopted Resolution 2026-04 concerning the Bridge Inspection Program, requesting SDDOT to hire consultants for inspections and detailing the county's 20% matching fund responsibility. Resolution 2026-03 was adopted detailing precinct locations for the upcoming Primary and General Elections. The Sheriff reported on jail operations and the hiring of a new deputy. The Board received a yearly recap from the First District Director regarding 2025 activities, including future transmission and storage centers. Additionally, approval was granted for the purchase of a new printer for the Auditor's office, and claims for various departments were paid.

The meeting included executive sessions to discuss personnel matters and contractual items. Key actions included approving a wage adjustment for the States Attorney head secretary, approving the purchase of an ST 200 Asphalt Float Paver for the Highway Department, and increasing the annual highway permit fee for 2026. The commission also discussed the process for the Landfill expansion, approved the Auditor's Account with the Treasurer for December 2025, set new rates for traditional grave opening/closing and cremation assistance, and authorized the Chairman to sign the Local #49 union contract for 2026. Finally, various claims were approved for payment across multiple county departments.

The meeting began with the approval of the previous minutes and the current agenda. Key actions included the 2026 reorganization of the Commissioners, defining roles such as Chairman and Vice Chairman, setting official newspapers, and establishing liaison memberships. Decisions were made regarding per diem rates for out-of-county meetings, election worker wages, Planning and Zoning meeting schedules, Coroner fees, and Commissioner salaries. The Board also approved 2026 burial rates. Updates were received from the States Attorney, Sheriff (including approval for jail repairs), Landfill Manager, Weed Supervisor, and Highway Superintendent. The Board accepted low fuel quotes from Sioux Valley Coop and Stillson Service for the first quarter. A new job description for 911 Dispatch Supervisor was approved, along with Resolution 2026-01 authorizing the County Treasurer to invest County funds. Authorization was granted for the Chairman to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the 4-H Leaders Association. The meeting included an executive session for personnel matters, followed by the approval of 2026 salaries and presentation of December 2025 Register of Deeds fees. Finally, claims totaling $225,111.29 were approved for payment.

Key discussions during the session included a zoning ordinance concern related to the Big Stone South transmission line, requiring outreach to the Grant County Zoning department. The States Attorney discussed the potential sale of county property in Sisseton Town. The Sheriff's department presented job descriptions for a 911 Coordinator/Dispatch Manager and a Dispatch Supervisor. The Highway Superintendent received approval to reimburse Summit Township for a culvert replacement under the Rural Access Infrastructure Fund (RAIF) and was directed to investigate purchasing an ice scraper attachment. The Landfill Manager received approval to purchase a new snowplow. Significant budget actions included approving numerous transfers from the contingency budget totaling over $112,000 and approving year-end cash transfers from the general fund totaling over $114,000. The board also authorized the Chairman to sign Right of Way easements and Utility Certificates for two bridge projects. The meeting included an executive session for personnel matters.