Davison County

The meeting commenced with the administration of the oath of office to the Drainage Board members for the year. Key administrative actions included the election of Jay Larson as Chairperson and Chet Edinger as Vice-Chairperson. The agenda for the current meeting was approved. A significant discussion involved public input regarding drainage issues stemming from Chris Nebelsick's 2023 drainage application and its impact on Kibbie Ditch, specifically concerning Jeff Terveen's property. Following the discussion, the Board decided that cleaning out Kibbie Ditch is necessary, as any new drainage line would be ineffective otherwise. The Board subsequently made a motion recommending to the Board of County Commissioners the cleanout of Kibbie Ditch within a specified legal description.

The Annual Meeting included the election of board members to represent Davison County and Hanson County for two-year terms, followed by the election of new officers: President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer. Key agenda items involved maintaining the 2025 insurance coverage for 2026, reviewing the financial report which noted a cash balance as of January 25, 2026, and placing outstanding bills on hold pending receipt of sufficient funds for Mitchell contract installments. The Board reviewed and approved Open Meetings compliance requirements and Board bylaws without changes. Legal counsel retention for Jim Davies Law was approved. Consideration of the 2027 budget was tabled. The Board reviewed the City of Mitchell year-to-date call volume report and approved the objection form regarding the ambulance special assessment, setting a submission deadline of March 31, 2026. A decision was made regarding special assessment charges for nonprofit entities for 2027, aligning them with the relationship they have within Mitchell city limits. Finally, compensation rates for board members for annual meetings were established.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda and official recognition of the prior meeting's minutes. A key action was the adoption of Resolution #020426-01, which imposed a 6-ton per axle weight limit on all Davison County oil roads effective February 25, 2026, while excluding specific routes and requesting South Dakota Highway Patrol assistance for enforcement due to a lack of county scale equipment. The board set the bid opening date for 2026 Highway Department supplies and related projects (Asphalt Plant Mix, Magnesium Chloride, Chipseal, Asphalt) for March 24, 2026. Superintendent Weinberg received approval for a $4,300 purchase of supplies to complete an addition to his building. The board adopted Resolution #022426-02 to implement a temporary emergency burn ban due to dry conditions, high winds, and elevated fire hazards. Several property tax abatements were approved, including one for a property where the mobile home was removed in October 2023, and multiple abatements for the City of Mitchell due to tax-exempt purchases on May 5, 2025. The board approved payment for various bills, timesheets, and an employee change involving a Corrections Officer. Finally, Resolution #022426-03 was approved to transfer $12,000.00 from the General Fund Contingency budget.

The meeting commenced with the election of 2026 Planning Commission officers, resulting in Bruce Haines being unanimously voted as Chairperson and Steve Thiesse as Vice Chairperson. The amended agenda, which included the officer election, was approved. The commission recommended approval of a Variance Permit application from Shannon & Michelle Klumb concerning lot size and setbacks for three tracts in the Agricultural District, despite the applicant not being present. Additionally, the commission recommended approval of the Plat for Tract 1, Tract 2, and Tract 3 of Shannon's Addition to the County Commissioners.

Key discussions included public input regarding special assessments on parcels, potential quorum situations at upcoming district and community events, and the quarterly report from the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce/MADC. Discussions without action involved medical clearance billing, transports, and lien processes impacting the budget, which indicated an under-budgeted line item for 2026. The board authorized the Chairman to sign an out-of-county jail contract for Aurora County. The State Auditor presented the 2022-2024 audit results, noting the need for closer collaboration between the treasurer and state's attorney on tax deed procurement. A hearing date of February 17, 2026, was set for Legacy Pointe LLC's retail liquor license application. The board approved the 2026 bridge inspection resolution, approved a fuel purchase, denied welfare claims due to available resources, and approved an auto supplement to reallocate overtime grant money. Employee pay increases were approved for two employees upon completion of their introductory periods. The board also approved utilizing the Shooting Club from the sheriff's budget and signing a license agreement with the Mitchell Gun Club.