Turner County

The meeting included a discussion regarding the Highway Department office manager's desired work hours, which the Board deferred a decision on for the time being. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the first reading of Ordinance #103-26, a Zoning District Amendment concerning the reclassification of property on Swan Lake from Agricultural (AG) to Lake Residential (LR) use for 11 low-density lakefront parcels. Public comment featured arguments for responsible growth and increased tax base from proponents, and opposition citing conflicts with the Comprehensive Plan's policies on preserving agricultural land and preventing concentrated residential development from the Swan Lake Association. No action was taken on the ordinance, with a second reading scheduled. Additionally, the Board adopted Resolution #4-26 to participate in the Bridge Inspection Program, requesting SDDOT hire a consulting engineer for inspections, with the County covering 20% of the cost. The Board also approved the request to surplus one wooden desk from the Highway Department and approved a quarterly raise for Martin Dahl, effective for the 2/6/26 payroll. An executive session was held for personnel matters, during which no action was taken. Discussions were also held regarding the courthouse, including moving the garage, heated sidewalks, and the seal.

The Board meeting included discussions regarding employee raises for the Highway Department, which were subsequently approved, along with the approval of merit raises effective for the 2/6/26 payroll. The Board also addressed the exemption of certain utility and sanitation trucks from spring load limits due to repair and emergency situations. Three applications for county assistance case payments for hospital claims were reviewed and subsequently denied based on a failure to receive timely notice of hospitalization as required by SDCL 38-13-34.1. A resolution was adopted authorizing specific individuals to request rangeland fire assistance on behalf of the County and appointing the Emergency Management Director as the County Rural Fire Coordinator. Furthermore, a joint agreement for combining Emergency Management services with Hutchinson County was approved, whereby Hutchinson County will contribute $30,000.00 annually. The Board reviewed payroll figures, discussed the need for a decision regarding the relocation of the garage, and addressed a query about elected officials' wages.

The Board of County Commissioners addressed several key items. Public comment included concerns about the first opportunity to purchase a courthouse-adjacent property and disapproval regarding the composition of the Planning & Zoning Board. Updates were received from the project manager for the courthouse construction regarding framing completion and interior finishes like sound masking. The Highway Superintendent discussed employee raises (tabled for a later date), concerns over Road 43, and the potential sale of surplus equipment. The Treasurer sought approval to update authorized signers on a bank account and provided information on Certificate of Deposit (CD) rates, leading to approval for a new $2 million CD. The State's Attorney provided updates on upcoming trials, including scheduling for the Ostrem trial. The Board approved the sale of surplus equipment, including a 1997 Ford Louisville and a 1998 Chip spreader. Approval was granted for hiring a Weed Board Supervisor/Secretary and for merit raises for specific employees. During an executive session, personnel matters were discussed without action being taken. Claims totaling $821,208.40 were approved. Old Business involved a detailed clarification on the principles used for setting starting pay for elected and non-elected officials based on experience and statutory minimums, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and fairness.

The Board addressed county business, including updates from the Highway Superintendent regarding bridge maintenance and equipment updates, and from the State's Attorney concerning case statistics comparisons between 2024 and 2025, and upcoming trials. The Board held the first readings for two zoning ordinance amendments (Ordinance #101-26 and #102-26) concerning the rezoning of tracts owned by James A. Even from Agricultural District to Rural Residential District. Bidding dates for general contracts were approved, setting a deadline of February 2, 2026. During the reorganization segment, the Chairman and Vice-Chairman for 2026 were elected, and various appointments and designations were made for county boards, depositories, and reimbursement rates for 2026. Discussions included authorizing the Treasurer to invest surplus funds, setting commissioner meeting fees, establishing county burial fees, and approving purchasing and uniform allowance policies. Salary adjustments were authorized, including a 3% cost of living increase for full-time employees and various raises for part-time employees and Fair Board positions. The Board also adopted a travel policy resolution and addressed personnel matters during two separate executive sessions.

The Board addressed several key items, including a discussion with the Planning & Zoning Director regarding board member composition, which resulted in the decision to add Mick Miller as an alternate. The Highway Superintendent discussed RAIF grants, load limits, and tabled employee raises. The Interim Sheriff provided updates on hiring and tabled administrative leave pay. The State's Attorney provided case updates, and all members reviewed open meeting laws. The Board adopted Ordinance #101-26 and Ordinance #102-26, both amending zoning districts for property owned by James A. Even from Agricultural District to Rural Residential District. Resolution #2-26 was adopted, establishing load limits of seven tons per axle on all Turner County roads. The Board approved the 2026 estimated RAIF grants for several townships. Approvals were granted for hiring Miguel Wise as a full-time deputy sheriff, hiring Mark Kaufman as the weed board supervisor, and unassigning 911 funds for a repeater. The Board also approved signing the request for state aid for the County Veterans Service Officer salary.