Rebecca Mommaerts

The special session focused on finalizing the agreement for 911 services between Miner County and Sanborn County, as a written agreement has been absent since the 1990s. The discussion involved payment percentages for surcharge monies and monthly traffic fees for 2026, with Sanborn County agreeing to pay an estimated 95% of surcharge monies plus $833.33 monthly for traffic, totaling $4,160 per month, payable at the first meeting of each month. A compromise was reached regarding past service periods, where both counties agreed to use a 90% rate for 2024 and a 95% rate for 2025. Sanborn County agreed to pay Miner County a total of $3,121 to cover these past balances, which will be included with the February 3rd payment. Additionally, FEMA reimbursements and poor liens were briefly discussed.

Key discussions centered on matters presented by the First District of Local Governments, including legislative bills and zoning ordinances concerning data centers, alongside airport regulations. The Highway Superintendent reported on the delivery of a new skid steer, leading to the authorization to declare the old 2015 model surplus and sell it by auction. The Board passed two resolutions concerning Miner County Weight Limit Enforcement, establishing specific weight limits for certain county roads, with one resolution addressing spring thaw limitations. Further actions included authorizing the Chairman to sign a weight limit enforcement request letter to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, approving quotes for culvert lining projects, and approving several claims for payment. The Commissioners addressed weed board concerns, ultimately deciding to leave the board structure as is for 2026, and authorized the Chairman to sign the 911 services contract with Lake County. The session concluded with a review of open meeting laws and an executive session for personnel issues.

The meeting began with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and a review of the County Auditor's account balance as of December 31, 2025. Key organizational actions included the election of Joe Bechen as Chair and Kathy Faber as Vice-Chair for 2026, and the nomination of Kari Jo Carlson as Chair of the Planning & Zoning Board. Discussions covered the Weed Board's dissatisfaction with compensation rates and potential disbandment. Claims totaling significant amounts across various categories were approved for payment. The Treasurer presented the delinquent mobile homes and buildings list, and the Chairman was authorized to sign the Juvenile Contract for Beadle County JDC for 2026. The Planning & Zoning Director provided updates on the South Dakota Reinvestment Payment Program for Hord Family Farms of SD, LLC, which was subsequently approved for signing. The Highway Superintendent reported on current and upcoming bridge projects, discussed skid steer purchase options resulting in approval for a new model, and noted repair needs for existing trucks. The Board designated the official county newspaper, mortgage sale sites, and official depositories. Appointments were made to the Ambulance Board, and the terms expiring for Ambulance Board and Weed Board members were noted, along with current staff lists. Resolutions were passed authorizing county officials to attend educational conferences within South Dakota for fiscal year 2026, establishing compensation rates for election judges and clerks for 2026, and setting the 2026 salary structure for Miner County employees. The Board also set the 2026 holidays for county offices and 911 call center employees, approved clothing allowances for law enforcement and highway workers, and set 2026 Ambulance rates and copy rates.

The special session focused on administrative and financial matters. Key actions included authorizing claims payments for various county departments and contractors, approving an updated Letting Authorization for Project No. BRF-B 6136(01) PCN 09MC, and approving the sale of the GIS Parcel Layer to Cotality (Core Logic). The Board authorized signing service agreements for 2026 with the Sioux Falls Area Human Society and the Davison County Sheriff's Office for jail contract services. A public hearing was held to adopt a supplemental budget for 2025, specifically allocating $4,000 for an operating transfer to 911. The Board also approved a 2026 fuel contract with Howard Farmers Coop Association, recognized several employees for years of service, and addressed updates from the State's Attorney regarding the Catastrophic Legal Expense Relief Program (CLERP). Administrative changes included approving the new Buildings & Grounds Manager job description. Discussions were held regarding a dispute with Sanborn County over E911 services funding, and the Board reverted capital outlay designations totaling $960,000 back to the General Fund Balance Unassigned. Resolutions were adopted to set forth capital outlay accumulation funds for 2026 through 2028, approve operating transfers to Highway and 911, and transfer funds from contingency appropriations to cover overages in the Commissioners and 911 departments. Finally, a donation of $2,000 was approved for the Howard Tigers PAWS PTO playground equipment and recreation programs.

The Miner County Board of Commissioners convened to address various matters. Discussions included corrections to previous meeting minutes, payment of claims, and updates from the Director of Equalization. The board addressed concerns related to a refuse dump near the Lake-Miner County line, cybersecurity assessment agreement with Dakota State University, and specifications in the mowing bid documents. The 2024 annual report from the Miner Conservation District was presented, and the property & liability insurance renewal proposal was reviewed. Updates were provided on the 4-H Department activities, and the board approved partnering with AAA for future collection attempts. The board also discussed Hometown Holidays, reviewed plan options for life and dental insurance, and heard a presentation on property & liability coverage. An update on the 911 project was given, including the Lake County Commission's vote to proceed with contracting for emergency and nonemergency dispatch.