January 6, 2026
STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
January 6, 2026
The regular meeting of the Stanley County Commission was called to order at 5:00 P.M.(CT) by Chairman Craig Heller with Commissioners Mike Kenzy, Dana Iversen, Sonny Harrowa and Gary Grittner. Also present was Treasurer Bill Konst, Highway Superintendent Lee Smith, Fairgrounds Manager Scott Deal, Emergency Manager Liaison Dustin Baxter, Fort Pierre Chamber of Commerce Shane Kramme, Fort Pierre Fire Department John Meligan, Garret Hatheway, Levi Fattig, and Jackie Gruber, Raymond Tibbs, Darla Tibbs, Sonia Connot, Lura Kirkpatrick, Mindy Kirkpatrick, Lori Jacobsen, and Auditor Philena Burtch. The meeting commenced with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Mike Kenzy, to approve the Agenda. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
MINUTES: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve December 2, 2025, Minutes and December 22, 2025, Minutes. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Conclude 2025’s Business: All business having been transacted for 2025, Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Mike Kenzy, to adjourn Business for 2025, at 5:04 P.M. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Convene the First Meeting of 2026 at 5:04 P.M.
Organization of Board – Chairman/Vice Chairman
Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Mike Kenzy, to nominate Dana Iversen for Chairman.
Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Mike Kenzy, to cease nominations and a Ballot be cast for Dana Iversen as Chairman 2026. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Dana Iversen, to nominate Craig Heller for Vice Chairman.
Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Dana Iversen, to cease nominations and a Ballot be cast for Craig Heller as Vice Chairman 2026. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
CLAIMS: Motion by Mike Kenzy, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve Claims as presented. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
ARAMARK 140.42 R&B MAINT
AT&T MOBILITY 384.50 CELL PHONES
JODI BOTHWELL 14.33 DOE SUPPL REIMB
BUTLER MACHINERY CO 261.12 R&B MAINT/SUPPL-865C
CAPFIRST EQUIPMENT FINANCE INC 57312.26 R&B 2010 CHALLENGER TRACTOR
CAPITAL AREA REFUSE LLC 942.42 CH BLDG/HWY DEPT TRASH BILLNG
CENTRAL SD ENHANCEMENT DISTRIC 8126.61 2026 MEMBERSHIP DUES
CLEARFLY 360.13 OFFICE PHONES
COLUMN SOFTWARE PBC 217.97 COMM MINS PUBLCTN
COMMUNITY YOUTH INVOLVED INC 2083.33 JANUARY SUPPORT
COWBOY COUNTRY STORES 79.71 GOV BLDG/FRGRNDS FUEL
DAKOTA DATA SHRED 55.67 AUD MAINT
JLF ENTERPRISES INC 47.29 FRGRNDS MAINT
JOHN DUFFY 80.00 CH SHOP LOT RENT
FLEET SERVICES 714.13 R&B/FRGRNDS FUEL
FORT PIERRE CITY 2035.02 EXT COPIER LEASE/WNV SPRAYING
FORT PIERRE CITY 30189.39 DUE TO CITY OF FORT PIERRE
FORT PIERRE CITY 3091.37 UTILITIES
FOUR CORNERS FIRE DEPTMENT 2922.36 HAYES SHOP UTILITIES
FOUR CORNERS FIRE DEPTMENT 5625.00 1ST QTR SUPPORT
FRIMAN OIL & GAS INC 473.90 FRGRNDS PROPANE
GOLDEN WEST TELECOMMUNICATIONS 200.00 E-911
GRAHAM TIRE COMPANY 179.85 R&B REPAIR & MAINT-P9
GROSSENBURG IMPLEMENT OF PIERR 1497.44 R&B SUPPL-SCRAPER
DENA LAWHON KINSELLA 319.66 OVERPAID PROPERTY TAXES
THOMAS P MAHER 690.27 DECEMBER 2025 EXPENSES
MAY ADAM GERDES & THOMPSON LLP 372.00 JUV CRT APPT ATTRNY
MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATION 178.16 R&B PHONE/INTERNET
MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATION 262.76 OFFICE INTERNET
MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES CO 592.24 R&B NATURAL GAS
MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES CO 981.89 CH BLDG/FRGRNDS NATURAL GAS
CITY OF PIERRE 110.00 DEC 2025 MED DIR
PIERRE SOLID WASTE FACILITY 13.32 GOV BLDG MAINT
PITNEY BOWES 1141.16 POSTAGE
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT 4000.00 DOE GIS
QUILL CORPORATION 944.70 OFFICE SUPPL
REDWOOD TOXICOLOGY LABS 438.00 TOXICOLOGY TESTS
JEAN RICKETTS 259.90 OVERPAID PROPERTY TAXES
RITER ROGERS WATTIER & 312.00 CRT APPT ATTRNY
ROBINS WATER CONDITIONING INC 12.00 R&B SUPPL
RUNNINGS SUPPLY INC 133.76 R&B SUPPL
RUNNINGS SUPPLY INC 51.97 FRGRNDS MAINT
STANLEY COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT 98685.75 1ST QTR SUPPORT
STANLEY CO SCHOOL DISTRICT 130005.46 DUE TO SC SCHOOL
JEFF SCHREIBER 1377.55 TREAS LIGHTING
JOAN BOOS SCHUELLER 684.00 CRT APPT ATTRNY
SD DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE 101434.94 MV/VITALS/MENTAL ILLNESS
SD ASSN OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER 1856.00 2026 SDACC/NACO MEMBRSHP DUES
SD ASSOC OF COUNTY OFFICIALS 86.00 ROD M/P FUND
SD ASSOC OF COUNTY OFFICIALS 806.00 2026 SDACO MEMBERSHIP DUES
CATHERINE A SEELEY 25400.14 CRT APPT ATTRNY
SERVALL UNIFORM/LINEN CO 70.86 GOV BLDG SUPPL
SPEARFISH EQUIPMENT LLC 559.29 FRGRNDS REPAIR & MAINT
W L THOMPSON 1853.72 OVERPAID PROPERTY TAXES
TITAN MACHINERY 2232.00 R&B MAINT/SUPPL-C1
TWOTREES TECHNOLOGIES 1011.30 SRVR MAINT
VERENDRYE MUSEUM 875.00 1ST QTR SUPPORT
WINZER 821.83 R&B MAINT/SUPPL
WW TIRE SERVICE INC 385.84 FRGRNDS REPAIR & MAINT
ZANDER AUTO PARTS 412.38 R&B SUPPL
ZANDER AUTO PARTS 158.18 FRGRNDS MAINT
Conflict of Interest Declaration: No Conflict of Interest was declared.
Open Meetings Law (Revised 2025): Auditor Burtch went over the Conducting the Public’s Business in Public A Guide to South Dakota’s Open Meetings Laws (revised 2025) with the Board. South Dakota’s open meetings laws embody the principle that the public is entitled to the greatest possible information about public affairs and are intended to encourage public participation in government.
Treasurer Report: Treasurer Bill Konst informed the Commission of interest earned for December 2025 is $11,698.67, Wheel Tax collection is $5,114.61, and delinquent taxes to collect is $134,210.44.
Auditor Report: Auditor Philena Burtch presented the Commissioners with the November 2025 Budget Expenditure Report showing each department’s expenses as of November 30, 2025 and December Budget Expenditure Report showing each department’s expenses as of December 31, 2025, Fiscal Revenue Report as of December 31, 2025, and Outstanding Disbursements as of January 6, 2026.
SALARIES BY OFFICE: Commissioners - $3,745.59; Auditor - $3,367.89; Treasurer - $5,842.05; States Attorney - $11,548.04; Custodial - $2,811.97; Director of Equalization - $2,849.19; Register of Deeds - $3,662.17; Road & Bridge - $27,774.58; Weed & Pest - $461.98; Fairgrounds - $6,349.13; Extension - $1,337.02; Coroner - $57.07; Planning & Zoning - $47.56; Employee Health Insurance - $16,278.66; SD Retirement System, withheld and match - $12,646.28; Electronic Transfer; FICA, Medicare and Withholding Tax - $21,945.50.
Register of Deeds:
Regular Fees December 2025 - $ 1,786.76
Transfer Fees December 2025 - $ 2,866.50
Fort Pierre Fire Department: John Meligan introduced himself as the new Fire Chief and introduced First Captain Garret Hatheway, Second Captain Levi Fettig and Third Captain Jackie Gruber. John thanked the Commission for their continued support of the fire department.
Chairman Iversen informed the public that the Wind Energy System Ordinance amendments will go to the Planning and Zoning Board, then there will be a 1st and 2nd reading before any amendments will be passed.
Fairgrounds: Scott Deal informed the Commission that Barn A has been tore down, it had 64 stalls. Scott would like to replace it with an open barn adding 92 stalls, in another location within the fairgrounds.
Panels – Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Mike Kenzy, to approve the purchase of 240 galvanized panels at $85.00 per panel, total $20,400.00. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Highway Department: Lee Smith presented the Commission with a report of work performed by the Highway Department for the month of December 2025, which consists of blading, hauling gravel, snow and ice removal, clean bridge decks, replace 911 signs on Verendrye Road, cut trees along Bad River Road, service and repair equipment.
Lee Smith has been looking up weight limit laws. Per SDCL 32-14-6 Restrictions respecting weight of vehicle-Duration of period of restriction-signs designating restricted area. Local authorities may, by ordinance or resolution, prohibit the operation of vehicles upon any highway or impose restrictions as to the weight of vehicles allowed. Such prohibitions or restrictions apply only to vehicles to be operated upon any highway under the jurisdiction of and for the maintenance of which such local authorities are responsible and only if the highway by reason of physical condition, rain, snow, or other climatic conditions will be seriously damaged or destroyed unless the use of vehicles on the highway is prohibited or the permissible weights of the vehicles are reduced. Any local authority enacting any such ordinance or resolution shall erect and maintain or cause to be erected and maintained signs designating the provisions of the ordinance or resolution at each end of the portion of any highway affected by the ordinance or resolution. The ordinance or resolution is not valid unless such signs are erected and maintained.
Emergency Management & Disaster: There was a discussion regarding disassociating from Hughes County Emergency Management due to lack of consistency, response, and communication. Stanley County is not losing anything, because we have nothing to lose. We still need to work with Hughes County, but we also need authority to go directly to the State Emergency Management to do what is best for our county. No one is to blame, everyone is stretched to their limits, this will benefit both counties by alleviating some stress and help response times. We are all here to keep everyone safe.
Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Craig Heller, to disassociate from Hughes County Emergency & Management beginning January 6, 2026. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Motion by Craig Heller, second by Sonny Harrowa, to amend the emergency management documents to state Stanley County Emergency Management & Disaster. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Abatements – Record #9967, Record #9921, and Record #8218: Record #9967 – Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Craig Heller, to approve Abatement request for Record #9967, 2025 Taxes Due and Payable 2026, in the amount of $17.11, as mobile home has been abandoned and is inhabitable, no utilities since 2015. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Record #9921 – This has been verified that the mobile home is still in place, so no action is required for Record #9921.
Record #8218 – Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Gary Grittner, to approve Abatement request for Record #8218, 2025 Taxes Due and Payable 2026, in the amount of $1,332.84, as this was leveed and taxed as N/A Other rate where it should be leveed and taxed at the Owner-Occupied rate. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Board Appointments: Chairman Iversen made the following New Board Appointments for 2026, with all other boards to remain the same as 2025:
Dana Iversen will replace Gary Grittner on the Central South Dakota Enhancement District Board
Gary Grittner will replace Dana Iversen on the Regional Railroad Authority Board
Dana Iversen will replace Gary Grittner on the Fort Pierre Economic Development Board
Gary Grittner will be alternate on the Fort Pierre Economic Development Board
Designation of Official Places of Sale: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Craig Heller, to designate the Courthouse, Fairgrounds and County Highway Shop as official places of sale for Stanley County for 2026. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Department Purchase Policy: Department purchase policy requires all Departments to receive Commissioner approval for purchases over $500.00. The Highway Department needs Commissioner approval for fuel purchases over $25,000.00.
Executive Session – Personnel – SDCL 1-25-2(4): Motion by Mike Kenzy, second by Sonny Harrowa, to go into Executive Session-Personnel-SDCL 1-25-2(4) at 6:17 P.M. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Chairman Iversen declared to reconvene at 6:48 P.M.
2026-01 Salaries and Wages 2026: Motion by Mike Kenzy, second by Gary Grittner, to approve Resolution 2026-01 Salaries and Wages, effective second payroll of 2026. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
SALARY RESOLUTION 2026-01
WHEREAS, SDCL requires the Board of County Commissioners to designate the number of Deputies and Clerks and to set their salaries.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Stanley County Commissioners, that the salary of all new employees be set upon hiring. Judges and Clerks of Elections, $18.00 per hour, $18.00 for Election School, plus mileage for rural Election workers; Mileage reimbursement rate for personally owned vehicle for all county employees, 67 cents per mile; Commissioners have the option of participation in the health insurance plan at their own expense.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all highway maintenance employees will work four (4), 10-hour days.
The following salaries shall be paid effective second payroll of Calendar Year 2026: Craig Heller, Commissioner, $10,580.04; Michael Kenzy, Commissioner, $10,580.04; Dana Iversen, Commissioner, $10,580.04; Sonny Harrowa, Commissioner, $10,580.04; Gary Grittner, Commissioner, $10,580.04; Thomas P. Maher, States Attorney, $63,516.96; Anna Maher, Deputy State’s Attorney, $40,528.08; Philena Burtch, Auditor, $63,182.88; William Konst, Treasurer, $61,971.84; Patricia Duffy, Register of Deeds, $62,097.12; Jodi Bothwell, Director of Equalization, $55,306.00; Lee Smith, Highway Superintendent, $73,108.20; Scott Deal, Fairgrounds Manager/Maintenance, $62,055.36; Lee Smith, Weed & Pest Supervisor, $7,531.07; Keva Hedman, Weed & Pest Secretary, $938.37.
The following wages shall be paid effective second payroll of Calendar Year 2026: Rick Striker, Custodian, $23.58 per hour; Tayler Jones, Deputy Treasurer, $20.60 per hour; Beverly Stoeser, Part-Time Deputy Register of Deeds, $26.00 per hour; Keva Hedman, Highway Administrative Assistant, $23.52 per hour; Thomas Richardson, Highway Foreman, $30.16 per hour; Kirby O’Dea, Truck Driver, $26.11 per hour; Justin Jones, Truck Driver/Equipment Operator, $26.95 per hour; Tyrel Hall, Truck Driver/Mechanic, $23.53 per hour; Rayden Rodriquez, Highway Worker, $20.60 per hour; Harlie Petrak, States Attorney Legal Assistant, $23.80 per hour; Jane Schrank, States Attorney Legal Assistant, $24.36 per hour; Wendi Roberts, 4-H/Extension Assistant, $20.60 per hour; Van Johnson, Highway Seasonal, $27.00; James Donohue, Highway Seasonal, $27.00 per hour; Marvin Cline, Fairgrounds Maintenance, $23.91 per hour; Toni Deal, Fairgrounds Office, $18.00; Keaten Metzler, Jack Deal Fairgrounds Seasonal, $17.00; Weed & Pest Board Members, Levi Neuharth, AJ Stoeser, Soren Iversen, Louis Young, $51.50 per meeting; Planning & Zoning Board Members, Pat Dougherty, Bob Coverdale, Shaun Leafgreen, Raymond Tibbs, $51.50 per meeting; Coroner Gary Grittner & Deputy Coroner Tiffany Sanchez, Shirley Swanson, $61.80 per call.
Dated this 6th day of January 2026.
ATTEST: BOARD of STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Dana Iversen, Chairman
Resolution: 2026-02 Official Bank Depositories: Motion by Craig Heller, second by Sonny Harrowa, to adopt Resolution 2026-02 Designating Bank Depositories. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION 2026-02
DESIGNATING BANK DEPOSITORIES
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Stanley County Commissioners that the bank depositories for Calendar Year 2026 will be as follows: American Bank & Trust, Pierre, SD; BankWest, Pierre, SD; First Fidelity Bank, Fort Pierre, SD; First National Bank, Fort Pierre and Pierre, SD; SD FIT (South Dakota Public Funds Investment Trust), Fort Pierre, SD; US Bank, Pierre, SD; Wells Fargo Bank, Pierre, SD.
Dated this 6th day of January 2026.
ATTEST: BOARD OF STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Dana Iversen, Chairman
2026-03 Official Newspaper: Motion by Craig Heller, second by Mike Kenzy, to adopt Resolution 2026-03 Official Newspaper. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION 2026-03
DESIGNATING OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER
WHEREAS, the law requires that an official newspaper be designated for the county.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Stanley County Commissioners that the official newspaper for Calendar Year 2026, shall be the Capital Journal.
Dated this 6th day of January 2026.
Attest: BOARD OF STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Dana Iversen, Chairman
2026-04 Burial and Funeral Assistance: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Sonny Harrowa, to adopt Resolution 2026-04 Burial and Funeral Assistance. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION 2026-04
BURIAL AND FUNERAL ASSISTANCE
For those County residents who die in a state of indigence or who are otherwise qualified under
SDCL 28-17
BE IT RESOLVED that Stanley County shall allow burial and funeral expenses as follows: Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00) burial fees and the opening and closing of the grave.
Any requests for County burial assistance shall be made prior to the services, whenever practical. It shall be the duty of the Commissioner in whose district the decedent had established residency to determine if the resident was indigent at the time of death, if it is not possible for the entire Board to meet prior to the time of the internment.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Stanley County Commissioners will follow all guidelines set out in Stanley County’s Welfare Guidelines for burial assistance as per Chapter 13 of the Welfare Guidelines for Stanley County.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the aforementioned amounts shall be for the Calendar Year 2026.
Dated this 6th day of January 2026.
ATTEST: Stanley County Board of Commissioners
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Dana Iversen, Chairman
2026-05 Claims: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Craig Heller, to adopt Resolution 2026-05 Claims. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION 2026-05
CLAIMS
WHEREAS certain entities require the payment of funds by the 15th day of each month or payment within a certain time frame; and
WHEREAS many of these claims are received after the Board of Commissioners’ monthly meeting; and
WHEREAS interest or a penalty might apply if these claims are not paid within the specified time;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the County Auditor is hereby given the authority to pay such claims without the Commissioners’ approval providing the claims are presented at the next regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.
Dated this 6th day of January 2026.
ATTEST: Stanley County Board of Commissioners
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Dana Iversen, Chairman
2026-06 Travel and Conference: Motion by Craig Heller, second by Sonny Harrowa, to adopt Resolution 2026-06 Travel and Conference. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION 2026-06
TRAVEL AND CONFERENCE
WHEREAS County Commissioners, Auditor, Register of Deeds, Treasurer, State’s Attorney, County Coroner, Director of Equalization, Highway Superintendent, and Assistants and/or Deputies as determined by Elected Official or Department Head, are hereby authorized to attend educational conferences, meetings and conventions held and conducted within or without the State of South Dakota pertaining to the betterment and advancement of County government per SDCL 7-7-25; and
WHEREAS the Stanley County Board of Commissioners has set the mileage and conference expense for the county offices;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Stanley County will pay up to $40.00 per day for meals. Meals are reimbursed when overnight travel is required at $6.00 for breakfast (leaving before 5:31 a.m.; returning after 7:59 a.m.); $14.00 for lunch (leaving before 11:31 a.m.; returning after 12:59 p.m.); and $20.00 for dinner (leaving before 5:31 p.m.; returning after 7:59 p.m.). There shall be no reimbursement for meals when they are provided as part of the meeting. Mileage for personally owned vehicle shall be at the state rate of $0.67 per mile. Motel rooms shall be paid at actual cost.
Dated this 6th day of January 2026.
ATTEST: STANLEY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Dana Iversen, Chairman
Central South Dakota Enhancement District – 2026 Statement of Extension to the Joint Cooperation Agreement and Financial Commitment: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Craig Heller, to accept and approve Chairman Iversen to sign the Central South Dakota Enhancement District 2026 Statement of Extension to the Joint Cooperative Agreement and Financial Commitment in the amount of $8,126.61. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Executive Session – Personnel – SDCL 1-25-2(1): Motion by Craig Heller, second by Gary Gritter, to go into Executive Session-Personnel-SDCL 1-25-2(1) at 7:07 P.M. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Chairman Iversen declared to reconvene at 7:27 P.M.
Upcoming Workshops: MSHA Training, Highway Department
Annual Report Workshop, Auditor
Adjournment: Motion by Craig Heller, second by Sonny Harrowa, to adjourn at 7:39 P.M. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
ATTEST: BOARD OF STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Dana Iversen, Chairman