June 4, 2026
STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
June 4, 2026
The regular meeting of the Stanley County Commission was called to order at 5:00 P.M.(CT) by Chairman Dana Iversen with Commissioners Mike Kenzy, Craig Heller, Sonny Harrowa and Gary Grittner. Also present was State’s Attorney Tom P. Maher, Treasurer Bill Konst, Director of Equalization Jodi Bothwell, Director of Equalization Assistant Danielle Daak-Sherwood, Highway Superintendent Lee Smith, Emergency Manager Dustin Baxter, Fort Pierre Chamber of Commerce Shane Kramme, Government Building Manager Rick Striker, Aaron Swan & Associates Rick Hahn, 4-H Educator Michelle Barrett, Megan Flanigan, Iris Meligan, Randy Slama, Phil Rose, Ken Cooper, Ashley Brewer, Tanya Heller, Michelle Rose, Lori Jacobson and Auditor Philena Burtch. The meeting commenced with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA: Motion by Craig Heller, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve the Amended Agenda. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
MINUTES: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Craig Heller, to approve May 5, 2026, Minutes. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Conflict of Interest Declaration: No conflicts of interest were declared.
CLAIMS: Motion by Mike Kenzy, second by Gary Grittner, to approve Claims as presented. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
AIRTECH HEATING & COOLING INC 4579.00 GOV BLDG - JURY RM
AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES 245.96 EM/EXT EQUIP
AMG AVERA 37.70 R&B TEST
AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE INC 4156.93 MAY SUBSIDY BILLING
RENEE ANDERSEN 341.78 PRIMARY ELECTION BRD
ARAMARK 144.52 R&B MAINT
AT&T MOBILITY 409.28 CELL PHONES
SEBASTIAN AXTMAN 261.00 PRIMARY ELECTION BRD
RYAN BOTHWELL 108.00 ELECTION HELPER
BOTTOM LINE WELDING 62.00 R&B SUPPL
BRADEEN REAL ESTATE & AUCTION 3362.50 FRGRNDS EQUIP
LILA BRIGGS 261.00 PRIMARY ELECTION BRD
PHILENA BURTCH 14.80 ELEC/EM SUPPL REIMB
BUTTE COUNTY EQUIPMENT 110.00 FRGRNDS-TOOLCAT
CAPITAL AREA COUNSELING INC 1070.00 MENTAL ILLNESS
ARTHUR CARTER 273.53 OVERPAID TAXES
CELERITY INTERNET 293.78 FRGRNDS WIFI
CENTURY BUSINESS PRODUCTS 326.06 COPIER LEASE & COPIES
CENTURYLINK 85.28 4 CORNER REPEATER
CHASE ROOFING & SHEET METAL IN 204.00 CH BLDG ROOF ANNUAL INSPECTN
CHRISTY LUMBER 40.00 FRGRNDS MAINT
CLEARFLY 359.92 OFFICE PHONES
COLE PAPERS INC 74630900 1752.53 FRGRNDS SUPPL
COLUMN SOFTWARE PBC 628.47 COMM MINS/PRIMARY BALLOTS
COMMUNITY YOUTH INVOLVED INC 2083.33 JUNE SUPPORT
CHERRY COMP 269.04 PRIMARY ELECTION BRD
COWBOY COUNTRY STORES 86.70 GOV BLDG FUEL
DANIELLE DAAK-SHERWOOD 36.00 ELECTION HELPER
DAKOTA DATA SHRED 66.75 AUD MAINT
DON'S SINCLAIR 13328.06 R&B FUEL
JOHN DUFFY 80.00 CH SHOP LOT RENT
PATRICIA M DUFFY 81.00 PRIMARY ELECTION BRD
ELECTION SYSTEMS & SOFTWARE 4665.04 PRIMARY ELECTION
FLEET SERVICES 1742.56 R&B/FRGRNDS FUEL
FLOYD'S TRUCK CENTER 1939.22 R&B MAINT/SUPPL-T12/T2/T3/T11
FORT PIERRE CITY 765208.77 DUE TO CITY OF FORT PIERRE
FORT PIERRE CITY 72.25 EXT COPIER LEASE & COPIES
FORT PIERRE CITY 2671.79 UTILITIES
FRIMAN OIL & GAS INC 14319.75 R&B DYED DIESEL
GOLDEN WEST TELECOMMUNICATIONS 200.00 E-911
GRAHAM TIRE COMPANY 4493.63 R&B MAINT/SUPPL-M6/P8/T2/T3/P9
GROSSENBURG IMPLEMENT OF PIERR 1980.27 R&B SUPPL-G5/G8/J1
GUNDERSON PALMER NELSON & 427.00 MENTAL ILLNESS BOARD
ARLETTE HALL 269.04 PRIMARY ELECTION BRD
HAYES COMMUNITY HALL 75.00 PRIMARY ELECTION
BRANDI HINES 542.41 MV REFUND
JESSIE HINES 20.00 SUBPOENA
BRECKYN HUEBNER 72.00 ELECTION HELPER
HUGHES COUNTY FINANCE OFFICE 21420.00 APRIL JAIL BILL
BELLEN M JACOBSEN 261.00 PRIMARY ELECTION BRD
JOHNSON CONTROLS BUILDING SLTN 271.73 GOV BLDG MAINT
LURA KIRKPATRICK 350.02 PRIMARY ELECTION BRD
WILLIAM KONST 264.12 PRIMARY ELEC/CDL
EILEEN KRAMER 247.69 PRIMARY ELECTION BRD
LAMB'S CHEVROLET & IMPLEMENT 1068.14 FRGRNDS MAINT
LAWSON PRODUCTS INC 1044.83 R&B MAINT/SUPPL
LINCOLN COUNTY 263.20 MENTAL ILLNESS
THOMAS P MAHER 23.38 MAY EXPENSES
MAY ADAM GERDES & THOMPSON LLP 4099.20 CRT APPT ATTRNY
IRIS MELIGAN 261.00 PRIMARY ELECTION BRD
JOHN MELIGAN 315.00 PRIMARY ELECTION BRD
MENARDS - PIERRE 722.73 GOV BLDG/FRGRNDS SUPPL
GAYLE A MERSCHEIM 270.00 PRIMARY ELECTION BRD
MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATION 180.25 R&B PHONE & INTERNET
MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATION 289.32 OFFICE INTERNET
MINNEHAHA COUNTY EQUALIZATION 325.00 DOE ANNUAL CONF
MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES CO 121.85 R&B NATURAL GAS
MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES CO 63.22 CH BLDG/FRGRNDS NATURAL GAS
MORRIS INC 3948.75 R&B SUPPL-SCREENED GRAVEL
JOANN NELSEN 243.00 PRIMARY ELECTION BRD
CITY OF PIERRE 1534.00 MAY MED DIR/TRI-CO RESCUE SRVC
PITNEY BOWES GLOBAL FINANCIAL 178.98 POSTAGE METER LEASE
PITNEY BOWES 364.10 POSTAGE
VEONA C PRINCE 307.90 PRIMARY ELECTION BRD
QUILL CORPORATION 1360.85 OFFICE SUPPLS
REDWOOD TOXICOLOGY LABORATORY 174.00 TOXICOLOGY TESTS
RIVER BOTTOM SANITATION INC 204.74 GOV BLDG/FRGRNDS TRASH BILL
ROBINS WATER CONDITIONING INC 12.00 R&B SUPPL
RUNNINGS SUPPLY INC 118.64 R&B SUPPL
RUNNINGS SUPPLY INC 456.57 FRGRNDS MAINT
STANLEY COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT 1466.10 US MARSHAL SRVC REIMB
STANLEY COUNTY SCHOOL DIST 1776277.87 DUE TO SC SCHOOL
NORMA SCHILLING 261.00 PRIMARY ELECTION BRD
JEFF SCHREIBER 188.85 R&B MAINT/SUPPL
JOAN BOOS SCHUELLER 852.00 M RED BEAR/S BARNER
SD DEPT OF REVENUE 96957.37 MV/VITALS/MENTAL ILLNESS
SD FEDERAL PROPERTY AGENCY 1858.00 FRGRNDS/EM SUPPL
SD PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY 150.00 BLOOD TESTS
SD ASSOC OF COUNTY OFFICIALS 102.00 ROD M/P FUND
SDSU EXTENSION 4-H PROGRAM 40.00 4-H VOLUNTEER
SERVALL UNIFORM/LINEN CO 146.00 GOV BLDG SUPPL
SIEBRASSE LAW OFFICE PC 1573.80 M KELLY
SANDY J STEFFEN 1986.02 P EASSON
BEVERLY STOESER 81.00 PRIMARY ELECTION BRD
K THOMPSON LAW PROF LLC 5310.66 ROUSE/NOISY HAWK/HERRALD
TIGER'S FIRE EXTINGUISHER INC 293.00 R&B ANNUAL INSPCTN
TRAFFIC SAFETY STORE 741.66 EM/FRGRNDS EQUIP
TWOTREES TECHNOLOGIES 1483.00 SRVR MAINT
US POSTAL SERVICE 878.00 PO BOX SRVC FEE
WIND CIRCLE NETWORK INC 1503.20 R&B MAINT-SONICWALL
Z&S DUST CONTROL SYSTEMS 8648.75 BAD RIVER ROAD TREATMENT
ZANDER AUTO PARTS 2233.68 R&B SUPPL
ZANDER AUTO PARTS 13.48 FRGRNDS MAINT
Treasurer Report: Treasurer Bill Konst informed the Commission of interest earned for May 2026 is $14,649.10, Wheel Tax collection is $9,611.93, and delinquent taxes to collect is $52,474.59.
Auditor Report: Auditor Philena Burtch presented the Commissioners with the Budget Expenditure Report showing each department’s expenses as of April 30, 2026, and Outstanding Disbursements as of June 4, 2026.
SALARIES BY OFFICE: Commissioners - $3,888.22; Auditor - $5,708.85; Treasurer - $5,941.75; States Attorney - $11,923.13; Custodial - $2,938.85; Director of Equalization - $5,519.08; Register of Deeds - $3,788.44; Road & Bridge - $32,505.09; Weed & Pest - $465.06; Fairgrounds - $11,565.04; Extension - $1,451.56; Planning & Zoning - $190.24; Employee Health Insurance - $21,084.25; SD Retirement System, withheld and match - $11,256.98; Electronic Transfer; FICA, Medicare and Withholding Tax - $25,243.16.
Register of Deeds:
Regular Fees May 2026 - $ 2,742.70
Transfer Fees May 2026 - $ 3,196.00
4-H Kids: 4-H Educator Michelle Barrett has partnered with the Stanley County Gold Program with summer projects. 4-H held First Aid training, hosted Youth Livestock Literacy (YLL) & Youth Horse Literacy (YHL) Clinic, over 30 kids attended. 4-H has a busy schedule through the summer, the 4-H room in the courthouse is ready for classes.
Megan Flanigan competes in horse shows. She works with horses with safety and handling. Megan has learned how to halter a horse making sure the halter is the proper fit, safe leading techniques, safe loading and unloading when trailering horses, appropriate riding clothes, helmet safety, riding etiquette and maintain safe distances around other riders.
Michelle and Megan thanked the Commission for their continued support of the 4-H Program.
Canvass of June 2, 2026 Primary Election: Upon review of the Canvass, Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Gary Grittner, to approve the Canvass of the Primary Election of June 2, 2026. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Draw for Post Election Audit: Gary Grittner drew Precinct 02 statewide contest US Representative; this contest will be audited during the June 15, 2026 Post Election Audit.
Dustin Baxter drew Commission District 5; this contest will be audited during the June 15, 2026 Post Election Audit.
Aaron Swan & Associates Inc. – Courthouse Laser Survey Report: Rick Hahn presented the Commission with the courthouse laser survey report. The building has experienced considerable differential settlement since construction in the early 1970’s. It is our opinion the differential settlement is due to the soft and expansive soils the building was constructed on. Based on the data collected, the northwest corner is the highest elevation and the southeast corner is the lowest elevation. The difference between the two corners remains slightly more than 4 inches. The lower-level floor has obvious visible differential settlement. The heavily weighted bearing walls and columns tend to sink in the clay soils and the same clay soils will expand and lift the much lighter concrete floor slab resulting in larger differences. After reviewing the data collected, the building does appear to move and shift with the weather and seasons.
Rick Hahn explained that the building can be stabilized and possibly re-leveled and the lower floor slab straightened by removing the lower-level floor and installing helical piers with structural floor slab & grade beams. Additional work would include exterior perimeter pavement and drainage work will increase building longevity and prevent potential future issues. Estimated Cost is between $1.5 million to $2.0 million.
For consideration, replacement costs for a similar building currently range from $11.1 million to 14.8 million.
At the very minimum, Rick Hahn recommends installing new exterior perimeter paving and improving drainage to reduce the effects of weather and seasonal changes. However, this will not re-level the building or the floor. Along with the exterior work, the interior floor slab can be replaced with slab on grade over engineered fill providing at least level floors for a few years depending on how well moisture changes are controlled. Making at least some of the lower cost improvements will reduce the potential future movement of the building. In turn, the reduced movement may allow further corrective work improving the function and life expectancy of the building.
Discussion: Ashley Brewer read a letter regarding the lack of usage of the arenas at the fairgrounds. The letter requested the arenas be open all summer, in the evenings or weekends? They would like the Commission to reconsider opening the arenas to allow for more riding time. The fairgrounds schedule of events begins the end of April and runs through the first week of October. The Commission agree to open the small arena for evening riding, up to two days before scheduled events and not during events.
Legion Post 20, Randy Slama, informed the Commission that the sports complex has electricity through West Central Electric, so the poles and lights are up and the 13-14- and 15–16-year-old teams have had some evening baseball games. The lights were paid for through fundraisers. West Central Electric donated the scoreboard. There are 20 scheduled games this season.
Director of Equalization – Jodi Bothwell:
Reclassification – Record #7662, Record #3337, Record #8478, Plat of Rose Tract 1:
Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Mike Kenzy, to table for more information, the request of reclassification from Residential to Agriculture for Record #7662 for 2026 taxes due 2027.
Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Mike Kenzy, to approve reclassification from Residential to Agriculture, for Record #3337, for 2026 taxes due 2027. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Mike Kenzy, to approve reclassification from Residential to Agriculture, for Record #8478, for 2026 taxes due 2027. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Motion by Mike Kenzy, second by Craig Heller, to approve Plat of ROSE TRACT 1, a subdivision of the SW ¼ of Section 16, Township 7 North, Range 26 East of the Black Hills Meridian, Stanley County, South Dakota. 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 May 2026, which consists of hauling water and dirt to Bad River Road for dust control, blading and laying gravel on Sansarc Road, Hayes Road, Bad River Road, service and maintain equipment.
County Shop Roof & Hayes County Shop Roof – Lee Smith received one bid for roof repairs.
Road Groomer – Motion by Craig Heller, second by Gary Grittner, to approve purchase of 13’ Road Groomer, with magnets, from Road Groom Manufacturing, in the amount of $22,000.00. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Raise – Highway Department Tyrel Hall: Motion by Mike Kenzy, second by Craig Heller, to approve $1.50 per hour raise for Highway Department Tyrel Hall, effective next payroll. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Raise – Highway Department Rayden Rodrequez – 6 Months: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Craig Heller, to approve Highway Department Rayden Rodrequez 6-month 50¢ per hour raise, effective June 11, 2026. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Emergency Management Services – Monthly Report: Dustin Baxter informed the Commission that the storm shelter signs have been installed. LEPC will have the last big planning meeting for Roots & Boots Celebration on June 10th. We will have unified command for the week-long event, Sheriff Brad Rathbun and Fort Pierre Fire Department Chief John Meligan.
Stanley County has been awarded the Grant for the Stanley County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The federal share will not exceed $15,000.00, Stanley County share will be for the remaining $5,000.00, rather in monetary or in-kind.
Hazard Mitigation 5-Year Plan Grant: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Craig Heller, to authorize Emergency Manager Dustin Baxter to sign the Hazard Mitigation Plan Grant. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
July 3 & 4, 2026 First Aid Volunteers: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Sonny Harrowa, to list the First Aid Volunteers to be covered under Stanley County Workers Compensation for July 3-4, 2026. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Log Cabin Sidewalk: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Mike Kenzy, to accept and approve to hire R&W Construction, not to exceed $5,655.00, to replace the sidewalks on the south entry and east side of the log cabin. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Automatic Budget Supplement – Fairgrounds Maintenance and Fairgrounds Equipment: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Gary Grittner, to approve Automatic Budget Supplement in the amount of $10,000.00 to Fairgrounds Maintenance (101-524-425.00), to reflect payment from City of Fort Pierre for Quarter 2nd 2026 Fairgrounds Subsidy. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Motion by Mike Kenzy, second by Craig Heller, to approve Automatic Budget Supplement in the of $750.00 to Fairgrounds Equipment (101-524-434.30), to reflect payment from Shane Kramme, for the purchase of a swamp cooler for the Expo Center. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Juneteenth Holiday – Stanley County offices will be closed Friday June 19th in observation of Juneteenth. The Commission also agreed to close Stanley County offices on Friday July 3rd in observation of the July 4th holiday.
Adjournment: Motion by Mike Kenzy, second by Craig Heller, to adjourn at 7:15 P.M. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
ATTEST: BOARD OF STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Dana Iversen, Chairman