February 3, 2026
STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
February 3, 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, Fairgrounds Manager Scott Deal, Emergency Manager Dustin Baxter, Fort Pierre Chamber of Commerce Shane Kramme, Central South Dakota Enhancement District David Reiss, Raymond Tibbs, Darla Tibbs, 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 Craig Heller, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve January 6, 2026, Minutes. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
CLAIMS: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Mike Kenzy, to approve Claims as presented. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
AIRTECH HEATING & COOLING INC 325.00 JURY RM MAINT
AMERICAN STAMP & MARKETING 81.40 DOE SUPPL
AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE INC 4156.93 JANUARY SUBSIDY
AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE 1847.67 MEDICAL CARE
ARAMARK 140.42 R&B MAINT
AT&T MOBILITY 384.44 CELL PHONES
AVERA PIERRE CLINIC 244.36 MEDICAL CARE
AVERA ST MARYS HOSPITAL 70.35 R&B TESTING
BELL BANK EQUIPMENT FINANCE 23840.88 R&B 2013 SCREEN MACHINE
BOTTOM LINE WELDING 260.00 R&B SUPPL
BUTLER MACHINERY CO 693.46 R&B SUPPL
CAPITAL AREA COUNSELING INC 1195.00 DEC 2025 MCR
CASEY TIBBS FOUNDATION 30.00 OVERPAID PROPERTY TAXES
CELERITY INTERNET 136.94 FRGRNDS WIFI
CENTURY BUSINESS PRODUCTS 231.57 COPIER LEASE & COPIES
CENTURYLINK 85.28 4 CORNERS REPEATER
CHS INC 26190.00 R&B SUPPL - DIED DIESEL
CLEARFLY 360.09 OFFICE PHONES
COLUMN SOFTWARE PBC 210.81 PUB/PETITIONS DEADLINE
COMMTECH INC 8214.72 CH CAMERAS/MAINT/EXT MAINT
COMMUNITY YOUTH INVOLVED INC 2083.33 FEBRUARY SUPPORT
COWBOY COUNTRY STORES 207.04 DOE/FRGRNDS/GOV BLDG FUEL
CROSSROADS TRAILER SALES-SF 1862.32 R&B SUPPL-T2
CROSSWORX SOLUTIONS LLC 1849.69 R&B REPAIR/SUPPL-T8
DAKOTA DATA SHRED 55.67 AUD MAINT
JLF ENTERPRISES INC 5.38 R&B SUPPL
DIAMOND MOWERS INC 560.90 R&B MAINT/SUPPL-MOWER 5 & 6
JOHN DUFFY 80.00 CH SHOP LOT RENT
FLEET SERVICES 1157.85 R&B/FRGRNDS FUEL
FLOYD'S TRUCK CENTER 2171.67 R&B MAINT/SUPPL-T2/TR16/T3/T12
FORT PIERRE FIRE DEPT 21250.00 1ST QTR SUPPORT
FORT PIERRE CITY 68.40 EXT COPIER LEASE & COPIES
FORT PIERRE CITY 3500.16 UTILITIES
FRIMAN OIL & GAS INC 394.10 R&B SUPPL
GOLDEN WEST TELECOMMUNICATIONS 200.00 E-911
GREAT WESTERN TIRE COMPANY 2050.00 R&B REPAIR/SUPPL-TR1/T2
HOGEN'S HARDWARE HANK 45.86 R&B SUPPL
HUGHES COUNTY FINANCE OFFICE 8610.00 DECEMBER 2025 JAIL BILLING
HUGHES CO EMERGENCY MANGEMENT 400.00 R&B ANTENNA SITE LEASE
INLAND TRUCK PARTS 379.98 FRGRNDS MAINT
ISEMAN HOMES INC 25.00 MV REFUND
KIRBY D KROGMAN 2044.50 CRT APPT ATTRNY
LAMB'S CHEVROLET & IMPLEMENT 147.71 GOV BLDG SUPPL
LAWSON PRODUCTS INC 242.43 R&B MAINT/SUPPL
LINCOLN COUNTY 110.00 MENTAL ILLNESS
THOMAS P MAHER 8.63 JANUARY EXPENSES
MAY ADAM GERDES & THOMPSON LLP 3285.80 CRT APPT ATTRNY
MENARDS - PIERRE 212.86 SUPPLIES
CURT MERRIMAN PRINTING 185.00 4TH OF JULY POSTERS
MICROFILM IMAGING SYSTEMS INC 395.00 ROD EQUIP RENTAL
MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATION 182.17 R&B PHONE & INTERNET
MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATION 281.01 OFFICE INTERNET
MIDWEST OIL COMPANY 99.00 R&B SUPPL
MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES CO 667.08 COUNTY SHOP NATURAL GAS
MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES CO 1165.18 CH/FRGRNDS NATURAL GAS
MORRIS INC 1244.01 R&B MAINT/SUPPL
NAPA 107.09 R&B SUPPL
NE SD COMM ACTN PRGM 5000.00 ANNUAL SUPPORT-GROW SD
NEWMAN SIGNS INC 453.03 R&B MAINT/SUPPL
PIERRE AREA REFERRAL SERVICE 2500.00 ANNUAL SUPPORT
PITNEY BOWES INC 1381.78 POSTAGE
PRIA 170.00 ROD WINTER SYMPOSIUM
QUILL CORPORATION 1720.82 OFFICE SUPPL
RIVER BOTTOM SANITATION INC 134.74 GOV BLDG/FRGRNDS TRASH BILL
ROBINS WATER CONDITIONING INC 39.30 R&B SUPPL
RUNNINGS SUPPLY INC 492.18 R&B SUPPL
RUNNINGS SUPPLY INC 643.72 FRGRNDS MAINT
STANLEY COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT 1023.66 US MARSHAL SRVC REIMB
JOAN BOOS SCHUELLER 348.00 CRT APPT ATTRNY
SD DEPTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 66428.88 R&B 2019 ALLOCATION FUNDING
SD FEDERAL PROPERTY AGENCY 751.50 FRGRNDS/EM SUPPL
SD PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY 515.00 BLOOD TESTS
SD ASSC OF COUNTY HWY SUPT 800.00 R&B SHORT COURSE/DUES
SDML WORKERS COMPENSATION FUND 33988.61 ANNUAL WORKERS COMP
SERVALL UNIFORM/LINEN CO 141.72 GOV BLDG SUPPL
SIOUX NATION OF FORT PIERRE 3240.00 FRGRNDS MAINT
TODD SUHN – T2 PANELS 20400.00 FRGRNDS PANELS
SUPERIOR CONCRETE LLC 6045.93 LOG CABIN VALLEY GUTTER
K THOMPSON LAW PROF LLC 605.10 CRT APPT ATTRNY
TIGER'S FIRE EXTINGUISHER INC 111.00 CH BLDG ANNUAL INSPECTION
TWOTREES TECHNOLOGIES 1541.80 SRVR MAINT
WALK-N-ROLL 1243.19 R&B MAINT/SUPPL-G8 PACKER
WINNER POLICE DEPARTMENT 444.00 DECEMBER 2025 JAIL BILL
WW TIRE SERVICE INC 29.19 R&B REPAIR-P10
WW TIRE SERVICE INC 372.36 DOE 2014 CHEVY
ZANDER AUTO PARTS 1228.54 R&B SUPPL
ZANDER AUTO PARTS 144.12 W&P SUPPL
Conflict of Interest Declaration: Commissioner Grittner will recuse himself as Commissioner during the Coroner report.
Treasurer Report: Treasurer Bill Konst informed the Commission of interest earned for January 2026 is $10,884.11, Wheel Tax collection is $9,179.93, and delinquent taxes to collect is $112,569.42.
Raise – Deputy Treasurer Tayler Jones – 50¢ 6 Month: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve Deputy Treasurer Tayler Jones 50¢ per hour 6-month raise, effective February 25, 2026. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
SALARIES BY OFFICE: Commissioners - $3,888.27; Auditor - $5,223.07; Treasurer - $8,979.42; States Attorney - $17,681.40; Custodial - $4,998.76; Director of Equalization - $4,548.05; Register of Deeds - $5,630.40; Road & Bridge - $37,239.62; Weed & Pest - $465.38; Fairgrounds - $10,153.92; Extension - $2,079.83; Planning & Zoning - $47.56; Employee Health Insurance - $17,313.76; SD Retirement System, withheld and match - $17,613.02; Electronic Transfer; FICA, Medicare and Withholding Tax - $30,297.93.
Register of Deeds:
Regular Fees January 2026 - $ 1,642.94
Transfer Fees January 2026 - $ 1,648.00
Expo Center 2025 Report: Shane Kramme presented the Commission with the 2025 Expo Center Report. Total gross revenue equal $50,663.05, total expenditures equal $21,066.86. Shane informed the Commission that the Expo Centered hosted twenty-one separate events over the course of the summer schedule, utilizing the venue for a total of 60 days over the course of the 180-day schedule ranging from April 2nd through September 30th, correlating in an event or activity occurring every three days. In addition, all involved would like to sincerely thank Connie and Gary Grittner for their generous donation totaling $10,000.00 to the Expo Center. These donated funds are specifically slated to work cooperatively with additional sources and created funding to provide updates and upgrades to both main restrooms in the facility. The Expo Center Board also welcomes the addition of Todd Johnson as the Expo Board representative from the City of Pierre, as he works with all other Expo Board Members and organizations involved to steward the Expo Center into a successful future. The Expo Center Board looks forward to 2026 with optimism and excitement as we fully understand the positive impact and opportunity that the Expo Center continues to provide both culturally and economically for our entire community and its citizens.
2025 Coroner Report: Gary Grittner presented the Commission with the 2025 Coroner Report. Gary explained that the coroner is responsible for certifying the cause and manner of death where the deceased is not under the care of a medical professional, or where the death is the result of an accident, homicide, or suicide. In 2025, the coroner was responsible for certifying eight such cases.
Gary Grittner recognized and thanked the Deputy Coroners, Jill Richardson, Tiffany Sanchez and Shirley Swanson for their help. They show true community spirit and do a great job while never knowing when they will be called upon. Deputy Coroner Jill Richardson submitted her resignation in December 2025 after 10 years. Her skill and empathy, along with her medical skills and her contacts within the local medical community will definitely be missed. Thank you, Jill!
Fairgrounds - Post Hole Digger for the Toolcat: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Mike Kenzy, to approve the purchase of a Post Hole Digger for the Toolcat from State Surplus, not to exceed $1,500.00. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Highway Department – 2026 Bridge Inspection Resolution: Motion by Craig Heller, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve the 2026 Bridge Reinspection Program Resolution for use with SDDOT Retainer Contracts. The County requests SDDOT to hire Brosz Engineering Inc. for the inspection work. SDDOT will secure federal approvals, make payments to the Consulting Engineer for inspection services rendered, and bill the County for 20% of the cost. The County will be responsible for the required 20% matching funds. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Emergency Management Services - Appoint Emergency Manager: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Craig Heller, to appoint Dustin Baxter as Stanley County Emergency Manager, effective January 6, 2026, to be compensated from Emergency Management Contract fund, not to exceed $11,000.00 for 2026. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Position Description-Emergency Manager: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Craig Heller, to adopt Position Description for Stanley County Emergency Manager. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Signature Authority: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Gary Grittner, to authorize Emergency Manager Dustin Baxter to submit all necessary materials and sign all documents required by the South Dakota Office of Emergency Management or any other private, local, state, or federal agency, while acting as an agent of Stanley County for emergency management purposes. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Temporary Emergency Response Plan: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Craig Heller, to adopt the Temporary Emergency Response Plan for 2026. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Local Emergency Planning Committee: The Commission request to amend the LEPC Bylaws by adding Article 3, Section 4, ‘The LEPC is authorized to enter into agreements or contracts with the State, state agencies, other LEPC’s, cities, and towns within Stanley County with prior Commission approval.’ Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve the amended Bylaws for the forming of the Stanley County Local Emergency Planning Committee Bylaws. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan Grant: In 2025, Stanley County Commission signed a resolution for a joint pre-disaster mitigation Grant funding with Hughes County. Hughes County has been awarded this Grant, however, they have opted out of doing a joint plan. This means that Stanley County will do our own plan and will have to pay 100% of the cost for the completion of this plan. We have some information to provide to the State, and some forms to complete to find out if we qualify for other State funds to help pay for the cost of this plan. If we do qualify, it will be the same split as other state grants, 75% State Funds, 25% County Funds.
Emergency Manager Dustin Baxter informed the Commission that the Homeland Security Grant program opened February 2, 2026. Dustin is going to request funds for a generator transfer switch for the Expo Center, since that is a storm shelter.
Fort Pierre Fire Department Fire Protection Contract: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Craig Heller, to accept and approve Chairman Iversen to sign the Fort Pierre Volunteer Firefighters Association Contract for fire services. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Resolution 2026-07 Wildland Fire Division Designee: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Craig Heller, to approve Resolution 2026-07 Wildland Fire Division Designee. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION 2026-07
WILDLAND FIRE DIVISION DESIGNEE
WHEREAS, South Dakota State Law 41-20A-11 states, Assistance in suppression of range fire within county—Reimbursement of expenses. At the request of a board of county commissioners or a person designated by a board of county commissioners for such purpose, the state wildland fire coordinator may assist in the suppression of any range fire within the county. If any assistance provided by the coordinator includes the use of more than six state employees and more than two vehicles, the county to which the assistance is given shall reimburse the coordinator for the reasonable expenses incurred. and;
WHEREAS, pursuant to SDCL 41-20A-11, the South Dakota Wildland Fire Coordinator may assist in the suppression of rangeland fires within the county upon request of a Board of County Commissioners or its designee, and;
WHEREAS, at the time of a fire emergency there is insufficient time to convene the Board of Stanley County Commissioners to make such requests, and;
WHEREAS, the South Dakota Wildland Fire Coordinator has requested that a person(s) be officially designated by the Stanley County Commission to make such requests, and;
WHEREAS, Stanley County is responsible for the reasonable expenses incurred by the South Dakota Wildland Fire Coordinator for the assistance that Stanley County requests as set forth above.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Stanley County Board of County Commissioners in and for the County of Stanley, State of South Dakota, the Stanley County Board of County Commissioners and Stanley County Sheriff or Emergency Manager is hereby designated and authorized to request, on behalf of Stanley County, fire suppression assistance from the state wildland fire coordinator as deemed necessary within Stanley County.
The authority to request assistance as provided shall continue in full force and effect until terminated or modified by resolution of the County of Stanley Board of Commissioners.
Dated this 3rd day of February, 2026.
ATTEST: STANLEY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Dana Iversen, Chairman
Abatement – Record #686: Motion by Craig Heller, second by Mike Kenzy, to approve Abatement request for Record #686, 2025 Taxes Due and Payable 2026, in the amount of $738.70, 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.
State Aid for Salary of County Veterans Service Officer: Motion by Craig Heller, second by Mike Kenzy, to agree to participate under SDCL 33A-1-31 ‘State Aid for salaries of County Veterans Service Officer’ and authorize Chairman Iversen to sign the request for State Aid. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Combine School/County Primary Election: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Craig Heller, to enter into a Combined Election Agreement with Stanley County School District 57-1 for the 2026 Primary Election being held on June 2, 2026, and authorize Chairman Iversen to sign. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
East Courthouse Parking Lot – Engineering Service: This has been tabled as the Commission would like to see a preliminary drawing.
Automatic Budget Supplement – Fairgrounds Maintenance: 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 1 2026 Fairgrounds Subsidy. 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 6:21 P.M. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Chairman Iversen declared to reconvene at 6:32 P.M.
Upcoming Workshops: Weed & Pest Annual Conference
Discussion: Commissioner Heller has been approached about a new grassland wildfire department starting up in Stanley County. It was discussed that the County would fund it to purchase a grass rig and equipment, and to find a place to house the rig.
Adjournment: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Craig Heller, to adjourn at 6:54 P.M. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
ATTEST: BOARD OF STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Dana Iversen, Chairman