Michael J. Jager

Key discussions and actions included the approval of claims for various county departments, including law enforcement, utilities, and employee salaries for January. The Board also addressed bridge updates with an engineering corporation, tabled discussion on the CERT team list, and reviewed options for updating the Courthouse panic button system. The commissioners approved two 4 1/2 year lease agreements for John Deere tractors for the Highway Department. Additionally, they approved two new liquor licenses for Pheasant Nest Properties LLC and The M Station. A resolution establishing IMEG Engineering Corporation as Consulting Engineers for the 2026 bridge inspection program was adopted. Other actions involved declaring scrap aluminum and batteries as surplus property, authorizing travel, accepting a Zoning Board resignation, and conducting an executive session.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of claims totaling substantial amounts across various categories such as technology, jail services, state fees, and supplies. The financial statement for January 2026 was accepted, detailing receipts, disbursements, and various fund balances. The Weed and Pest Board meeting was opened, during which the 2026 weed control plan was discussed before the board adjourned that specific segment. Decisions were made regarding county credit card usage limits for dispatchers and the raising of one individual's limit for jail purchases. The Sheriff's office received approval to hire several new Jailers and one Deputy Sheriff, effective March 16, 2026. The Commission approved an Intergovernmental Contract with the SD Public Assurance Alliance for insurance and authorized a Jail Rental Agreement with Walworth County for inmate housing. Several plats were approved, and the Register of Deeds fees for January 2026 were accepted. Twenty-eight Motorola 2way radios were declared surplus property for online auction. A budgeted cash transfer of $35,000.00 was approved from the General Fund to the Emergency Management Fund. Travel authorizations for training and conferences were approved for multiple staff members. An executive session was held to discuss a matter under SDCL 1-25-2(1).

The key discussion items for the meeting included the review and approval of two plat submissions: O'Keefe First Addition and Lueck-Harr First Addition. Old Business addressed a neighbor fence issue concerning Robin Hagen. New Business reviewed the date for the next scheduled meeting.

The meeting involved the approval of claims and budgeted apportionments to various entities, including the City of Mobridge for dispatch services and several local organizations for nutrition programs. Decisions were made regarding the 25% Road & Bridge funds distribution to local city offices and payments for phone, utilities, and professional services. The board accepted the December 2025 Financial Statement, including the general fund balance and total cash assets. Furthermore, the chairman was authorized to sign agreements related to the county's geographic information system (GIS) website and jail housing agreements with Day County and several other counties. The commission set the fee for the open Retail (on-sale) Liquor license and reviewed South Dakota's open meeting laws, agreeing to review them annually. The discussion on personnel policies regarding administrative leave, flex time, sick leave, and vacation policies was tabled. The board also approved a Reinvestment Program Assignment of Payment with Century Swine RE, LLC, authorized travel for highway employees to safety training, and authorized attendance at various conferences and training sessions for specific personnel. An executive session was held to discuss a matter under SDCL 1-25-2(1).

The Board of Commissioners approved claims for January, including significant expenditures for the Law Enforcement Center construction, phone/utilities, professional services, publishing, supplies/repairs, and January salaries/deductions. Key discussions included bridge updates presented by IMEG Engineering Corporation and an update on panic button system options for the Courthouse from 3D Security. The Board approved entering into two 4 ½ year lease agreements for John Deere tractors. Liquor licenses were approved for Pheasant Nest Properties LLC and The M Station. The Board tabled discussions regarding the CERT team member list update and personnel policies (administrative leave, flex time, sick leave, vacation). A resolution was adopted to establish IMEG Engineering Corporation as Consulting Engineers for the 2026 Edmunds County bridge inspection program. Surplus county property (scrap aluminum and batteries) was declared and authorized for sale. Travel authorization was granted for training attendance. The resignation of a Zoning Board member was accepted, and an executive session was held to discuss a confidential matter.