Grant County Commission Proceedings March 17, 2026
Grant County Commission Proceedings March 17, 2026
The Grant County Commission met at 8 a.m. with Commissioners Street, Mach, Stengel, Tostenson and Hoff present. Chairman Mach called the meeting to order. Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Stengel to approve March 3, 2026, minutes. Motion carried 5-0. Commissioner Assistant Owen asked to add approval and signing of two BIG grant contracts and Auditor Folk asked to add a voucher to the City of Watertown for $10,532.24 for 911 services. Motion by Street and seconded by Hoff to approve the agenda with the additions stated. Motion carried 5-0.
Present from the public were Kathy Granquist, Gary Granquist, Kevin Granquist, George Vinson, Mark Weber, Holli Seehafer, and Jim DeVaal. Staff members present were Deputy Commissioner Assistant Layher, Commissioner Assistant Owen, Drainage Officer Berkner, States Attorney Schwandt, and EM Director Schuelke.
Public Comment: Chairman Mach called three times for public comment. There were no comments.
The Auditor’s Account with the Treasurer for February was noted.
AUDITOR’S ACCOUNT WITH THE COUNTY TREASURER
To the Honorable Board of County Commissioners, Grant County:
I hereby submit the following report of my examination of the cash and cash items in the hands of the County Treasurer of the County of Grant as of the last day of February 2026.
Cash on Hand, $3,280.15
Checks in Treasurer’s possession less than three days, $31,670.76
Cash Items, $0.00
TOTAL CASH ASSETS ON HAND
$34,950.91
RECONCILED CHECKING
First Bank & Trust, $801,286.99; Interest, $0.00; Credit Card Transactions, $5,684.77; First Bank & Trust (Svgs), $5,676,171.55; Jail Bond, $1,248,218.97.
CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT
First Bank & Trust, $0.00; First Bank & Trust (TIF), $0.00.
TOTAL CASH ASSETS
$7,766,313.19
GENERAL LEDGER CASH
BALANCES:
General, $1,218,017.52; General restricted cash, $2,669,000.00; Cash Accounts for Offices General Fund, $656.00; Sp. Revenue, $1,642,341.12; Sp. Revenue restricted cash, $0.00; Ambulance District, $5,297.90; Henze Road District, $264.01; Temporary Offage, $2,285.41; TIF Rosewood Mil-3, $0.00; TIF Koch, $0.00; Special Assessment Land Rent, $0.00; Trust & Agency, $2,228,451.23; (schools 448,685.18, twps 31,119.61, city/town 78,661.58).
TOTAL GENERAL LEDGER CASH
$7,766,313.19
Dated the 12th day of March, 2026
Kathy Folk
County Auditor
The Register of Deeds fees for the month of February were $4,786.25. The Clerk of Courts fees for the month of February were $5,073.38. The Sheriff fees for the month of February were $3,280.15 with $2,030.15 received into the General Fund.
EMF: Mark Weber, retired Whetstone Valley Electric employee, gave a presentation on electronic magnetic fields (EMF). Weber demonstrated several meters reading the different voltages of common electrical items.
Drainage: Chairman Mach adjourned the Board of Commissioners and convened the Commission acting as the Drainage Board.
Permit DR2026-01a and DR2026-01b for Kevin Granquist for land located in the W 1⁄2 and SE 1⁄4 Section 35 in Stockholm Township.
Chairman Mach called for a motion to approve DR2026-01a and DR2026-01b for Kevin Granquist. Motion by Street and seconded by Stengel to approve permits DR2026-01a to 01b.
Drainage Officer Berkner reported the drainage design is for pattern tiling approximately 225 acres located in the North Branch of the Yellow Bank River Watershed. Berkner said the related drainage projects would be over terrain that has a steep downhill grade of nearly 65 feet, nearing a 2 percent grade. It would have up to six terraced inlets and nine separate outlets. The outlets would drain into four separate USGS labeled blue-line waterways, and two of the nine outlets would connect to two separate previously permitted tile mains from DR2019-10 and DR2022-29.
Berkner said by using the 3/8 inch drainage co-efficient design estimator the estimated design out letting flows from the lateral drainage tile is 1,600 gpm but emphasized that amount of flow would be divided between four separate waterways. Most of the terraced inlets are placed either near road culverts or at the top of existing natural runs. Due to the steep downhill slope in the area this design would greatly reduce sediment erosion. Berkner added this design would also improve downstream landowners’ erosion conditions by reducing peak water flows after heavy rains. Berkner stated it is his opinion that the projects conform to questions asked in the county’s drainage ordinance.
Chairman Mach asked Granquist if he had any additional comments. Granquist said he would be available for comments if needed. Mach opened the public hearing for DR2026-01a and 01b asking three separate times for comments in favor or against the drainage project. No one responded. Mach closed the public hearing inviting drainage board discussion. Tostenson agreed due to the hilly terrain with its numerous depressions and multiple draws, the design presented would be the best way to achieve the goal of reducing erosion. Street asked Granquist if the outlets would be into grassy areas. Granquist stated the outlets flow directly into pastureland. Chairman Mach called for the vote. Motion carried 5-0.
Chairman Mach adjourned the Drainage Board and reconvened the Board of Commissioners.
Travel: Commissioner Assistant Owen requested travel approval for Jail Administrator Mike Burns and Dispatcher Alan Chrzanowski to attend the 24/7 Sobriety Conference in Oacoma, Treasurer Karla DeVaal and Auditor Kathy Folk to attend Spring Conference in Pierre, Fall Conference in Sioux Falls and SDACES Conference in Oacoma, Deputy DOE Wade Leddy to attend SDAAO annual assessor school and conference in Sioux Falls and USPAP class in Pierre, and States Attorney Jackson Schwandt to attend the annual States Attorney Conference in Deadwood. Motion by Street and seconded by Tostenson to approve the travel requests. Motion carried 5-0.
County Assistance: None
Election Agreement: Motion by Stengel and seconded by Hoff to approve the combined election agreement with the City of Milbank and Milbank School District for holding a combined election on the Primary election date of June 2, 2026. Motion carried 5-0.
Annual Report: The 2025 annual report was presented to the Commission by Auditor Folk. The revenue and expense categories were explained. January 1, 2025, beginning net position for all funds was $7,826,111.54 and the December 31, 2025, net position balance for all funds was $7,976,933.04 indicating an increase of assets of $150,821.50. Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Hoff to accept the annual report as presented. Motion carried 5-0. The annual report is on file in the auditor’s office.
Abatements: Motion by Street and seconded by Stengel to approve the following abatements. Motion carried 5-0.
1. Bill number: 250073.0; Tax year: 2025; Abatement: $8.14: Reason: Mobile home torn down.
2. Bill number: 257793.0; Tax year: 2025; Abatement: $2,395.94: Reason: Due to disabled veterans’ exemption.
3. Bill number: 258581.0; Tax year: 2025; Abatement: $1,291.84: Reason: Due to disabled veterans’ exemption.
4. Bill number: 254292.0; Tax year: 2025; Abatement: $1,475.88: Reason: Due to disabled veterans’ exemption.
5. Bill number: 258026.0; Tax year: 2025; Abatement: $1,702.72: Reason: Due to disabled veterans’ exemption.
6. Bill number: 257125.0; Tax year: 2025; Abatement: $1,509.60: Reason: Due to disabled veterans’ exemption.
7. Bill number: 254954.0; Tax year: 2025; Abatement: $684.68: Reason: Due to disabled veterans’ exemption.
8. Bill number: 254199.0; Tax year: 2025; Abatement: $824.76: Reason: Due to disabled veterans’ exemption.
9. Bill number: 251589.0; Tax year: 2025; Abatement: $652.34: Reason: 25 percent tax exemption.
10. Bill number: 259627.0; Tax year: 2025; Abatement: $1,939.00: Reason: 2nd Townhome sold, class changed to owner occupied.
Omitted Property: Motion by Stengel and seconded by Tostenson to set April 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. for the omitted property hearing. Chairman Mach called for the vote. Motion carried 5-0.
Land Lease: The land lease sale was held with Jim DeVaal, Jay Mielitz and Caryssa Mielitz present, and the following bids were received:
1. Part of the NW 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 33-120-47 (About 15 Acres) Alban Twp. Leased to Mielitz Brothers for $600.00.
2. S 1⁄2 NE 1⁄4 of 8-120-51 (40 Acres) Mazeppa Twp. Leased to John Moes for $1,600.
Ordinance 1997-1G: The 9 a.m. public hearing was held for the second reading of Ordinance 1997-1G. Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Stengel to approve Ordinance 1997-1G and dispense with the reading of the ordinance. States Attorney Schwandt reviewed the changes in Section 303, 319, 320 and 322 of the drainage ordinance. At the first meeting in April they will set the fee amounts, appoint an investigator and approve the new forms for the amendments and extensions. Chairman Mach opened the public hearing calling three times each for proponent and opponent testimony. No one responded. Mach closed the public hearing and called for board discussion. Tostenson stated the changes make the drainage permits more flexible with the time limit, revised fees and takes the burden off the drainage board to assess the fines. Street and Hoff agreed that there were good changes made. With no more discussion, Auditor Folk administered the roll call vote. Hoff: Aye; Street: Aye; Mach: Aye; Stengel: Aye; Tostenson: Aye. Motion carried 5-0. Ordinance 1997-1G adopted. The ordinance is on file in the auditor’s office.
ORDINANCE # 1997-1G
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED, AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE 1997-1, AS AMENDED, OF THE DRAINAGE ORDINANCE OF GRANT COUNTY
Otter Tail: George Vinson with the BSSHB 345-kV Transmission Line project gave a recap of their recent open houses in the area and the questions and concerns of the attendees. More open houses will be held in April.
HWY: Road Permits: Discussion was held on the overweight and over-size permits issued by the County Highway Department. States Attorney Schwandt and Hwy Supt Peterson were tasked with rewriting those county permits. SDDOT Funding: Motion by Stengel and seconded by Street to approve Chairman Mach to sign the SDDOT BIG grant funding agreements for Structure # 26-310-149, Project # BRO 8026(00)26-3, PCN 0AG8 for $791,200 (80%) and Structure # 26-277-230, Project # BRO 8026(00)26-2, PCN 0AG9 for $616,400 (80%). Chairman Mach called for the vote. Motion carried 5-0.
Unfinished Business: None
New Business: Commissioner Assistant Owen stated the Third Circuit Judge recommended the County install a solid door and deadbolt in the Clerk of Courts office.
Correspondence: Auditor Folk reminded the Commissioners Grant County will be hosting the Lake Region District meeting on March 25th.
Claims: Motion by Stengel and seconded by Street to approve the claims as presented. Motion carried 5-0. AGTEGRA, ethanol & propane 1,493.43; AT-SCENE, comp software 1,596.00; BANNER ASSOCIATES, contracted proj 4,763.50; BERENS MARKET, inmate groceries 113.53; BORNS GROUP, mailing expense 4,067.48; BREWSTER BUILDING CENTER, supplies 68.55; CHS, propane 1,056.81; CITY OF MILBANK, water & sewer 695.92; CITY OF WATERTOWN, 911 surcharge 10,532.24; CRAIG DEBOER, car wash card 49.94; DAKOTA POWER EQUIPMENT, supplies 59.98; DEUTSCH PRINTING, subscription 70.00; FARM & HOME PUBLISHERS, ref books 270.00; FEDERAL LICENSING, ref book 259.00; FIRST BANK & TRUST/VISA, file cabinet, stamps, ink cartridges 2,920.04; FREMAREK, supplies 360.84; GRANT COUNTY REVIEW, publishing 864.51; GRANT- ROBERTS RURAL WATER, water usage 37.20; HASSLEN CONSTRUCTION, contracted proj 3,700.00; HMN ARCHITECTS, prof services 8,079.04; INGRAM, books 1,432.92; INNOVATIVE BENEFIT CONSULTANTS, insurance 583.00; INTER-LAKES COMMUNITY ACTION, service worker 2,333.33; ITC, phone & internet 2,055.96; JASON SACKREITER, garbage service 360.00; KIBBLE EQUIPMENT, repair & maint 96.12; KING DRYWALL & REMODELING, repair & maint 400.00; LARRY’S REFRIGERATION, repair & maint 4,784.05; LEWIS FAMILY DRUG, supplies 231.84; MACK STEEL WAREHOUSE, supplies 1,748.23; MICROFILM IMAGING SYSTEMS, rentals 862.00; MILBANK AUTO PARTS, supplies 1,559.65; MINNEHAHA COUNTY AUDITOR, prof services 539.30; NORTHWESTERN ENERGY, natural gas 392.95; ONSOLVE, prof services 4,114.95; OTTER TAIL POWER, electricity 4,545.98; OXYGEN SERVICE, supplies 663.89; R.D. OFFUTT, repair & maint 134.03; RC TECHNOLOGIES, 911 transport & tower rent 95.96; ROBERTS CO SHERIFF, inmate housing 630.00; RUNNINGS, supplies 350.58; SANDRA FONDER, prof services 60.00; SECUR SERV, prof services 15,340.73; SD SECRETARY OF STATE, insurance 30.00; SDAAO, registration 675.00; SD HISTORICAL SOCIETY, membership 55.00; STATE OF SD, supplies 301.69; SUPERIOR CAPITAL HOLDINGS, registration 2,950.00; SYRCO ENTERPRISES, rentals 65.13; METOCHOL GROUP, supplies 150.00; TWIN VALLEY TIRE, repair & maint 433.00; VALLEY OFFICE PRODUCTS, supplies 634.81; VERIZON, hotspot 40.01; WASTE CONNECTIONS OF SOUTH DAKOTA, shredding services 66.75; WHETSTONE HOME CENTER, supplies 62.55; WHETSTONE VALLEY ELECTRIC, electricity 5,472.41; XEROX, copier rent 847.81; GRAND JURY FEES, 495.20. TOTAL: $96,652.84.
FEBRUARY 2026 MONTHLY FEES: SD DEPT OF HEALTH, SDACO, ROD modernization fee 162.00; SD DEPT OF REVENUE, monthly fees 154,995.28; SD DEPT OF REVENUE, sales & use tax 360.47. TOTAL: $155,355.75.
Payroll for the following departments and offices for March 13, 2026, payroll is as follows: COMMISSIONERS 11,891.15; AUDITOR 10,513.33; ELECTION 758.40; TREASURER 6,592.83; STATES ATTORNEY 8,845.72; CUSTODIANS 3,940.01; DIR. OF EQUALIZATION 4,376.00; REG. OF DEEDS 6,449.06; VET. SERV. OFFICER 832.20; SHERIFF 16,026.21; COMMUNICATION CTR 11,963.98; VISITING NEIGHBOR 1,727.95; LIBRARY 8,912.20; 4-H 4,334.79; WEED CONTROL 2,147.00; P&Z 1,392.00; DRAINAGE 564.00; ROAD & BRIDGE 34,001.64; EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 2,412.00. TOTAL: $137,680.47.
Payroll Claims: FIRST BANK & TRUST, Fed WH 9,660.69; FIRST BANK & TRUST, FICA WH & Match 16,581.54; FIRST BANK & TRUST, Medicare WH & Match 3,877.86; ACCOUNTS MANAGEMENT, deduction 114.47; AMERICAN FAMILY LIFE, AFLAC ins. 1,980.37; RELIANCE STANDARD LIFE DENTAL, ins. 525.12; WELLMARK-BLUE CROSS OF SD, Employee health ins. 2,360.64; RELIANCE STANDARD SUPPLEMENTAL, life ins. 120.13; OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT, child support 1,200.00; SDRS SUPPLEMENTAL, deduction 2,485.83; SDRS, retire 15,758.35. TOTAL: $54,665.00.
Consent Agenda: Motion by Tostenson and seconded by Stengel to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried 5-0.
1. Approve volunteer list for LEPC committee, POD committee, Grant County weather spotters, and Snowmobile club, as required by SDPAA.
Executive Session: Motion by Hoff and seconded by Stengel to enter executive session at 10:45 a.m. for the purpose of personnel issue(s) pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2 (1). Motion carried 5-0. Commissioner Assistant Owen, Deputy Commissioner Assistant Layher, States Attorney Schwandt, and Auditor Folk were present. Chairman Mach declared the meeting open to the public at 11:46 a.m. No action was taken because of the executive session.
It is the policy of Grant County, South Dakota, not to discriminate against the handicapped in employment or the provision of service.
The next scheduled meeting dates will be April 7, 14 (Equalization) and 21, and May 5 and 19, 2026 at 8 a.m. in the basement Commissioner room. Please use the elevator. Motion by Stengel and seconded by Hoff to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned.
/s/Michael J. Mach,
Chairman,
Grant County Commissioners
/s/ Kathy Folk,
Grant County Auditor
