Grant County Commission Proceedings • September 21, 2021

September 21, 2021

The Grant County Commission met at 8 AM with Commissioners Buttke, Mach, Stengel, Street and Tostenson present. Chairman Tostenson called the meeting to order with a quorum present and asked for a motion to approve the minutes. Motion by Buttke and seconded by Stengel to approve the minutes of the September 7, 2021, meeting. Motion carried 5-0. Minutes filed. Motion by Stengel and seconded by Street to approve the agenda. Motion carried 5-0. Chairman Tostenson called for a moment of silence for reflection on the work before the Commission today.

Members of the public present were Matt Lowe, Brian Lowe, Paul Anderson, Tim Wollschlager, Mark Wollschlager, Ryan Kohl, Dan Scoblic, Dennis Kohl, Jim DeVaal and Greg Kellen. Staff members present were States Attorney Schwandt and Steve Berkner.

Public Comment: The Chairman called for public comment. No member of the public present offered any comment.

The Auditor’s Account with the Treasurer for the month of August 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 August, 2021

Cash on Hand, $2,166.60 

Checks in Treasurer’s possession less than 3 days, $25,533.58 

Cash Items, $0.00 

TOTAL CASH ASSETS ON HAND

$27,700.18 

RECONCILED CHECKING First Bank & Trust, $2,907.91; Interest, $0.00; Credit Card Transactions/TIF Fee, $1,402.00; First Bank & Trust (Svgs), $7,210,420.00. 

CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT First Bank & Trust, $0.00; First Bank & Trust (TIF), $0.00. 

TOTAL CASH ASSETS

$7,242,430.09  

GENERAL LEDGER CASH

BALANCES:

General, $3,524,655.32; General restricted cash, $2,250,000.00; Cash Accounts for Offices General Fund, $656.00; Sp. Revenue, $204,597.80; Sp. Revenue restricted cash, $0.00; Henze Road District, $0.00; TIF Apportioning Northern Lights, $0.00; TIF Milbank, $0.00; TIF Northern Lights, $0.00; Special assessment Land Rent, $0.00;  Trust & Agency, $1,262,520.97; (schools 56,785.60, twps 3,944.29, city/town 18,978.41)

TOTAL GENERAL LEDGER CASH

$7,242,430.09 

Dated this 10th day of September, 2021

Karen M. Layher

County Auditor

The Clerk of Courts fees for the month of August were $8,317.11 and the Sheriff fees for the month of August were $5,751.23 with $3,377.23 receipted into the General Fund. The Register of Deeds fees for August were $11,158.25.

Drainage: Chairman Tostenson adjourned the Board of Commissioners and convened the Commission acting as the Drainage Board.

Chairman Tostenson asked for a motion to approve Permit DR2021-25 for applicant Matt Lowe for property owned by Shaun and Denice Hooth % Alice Hooth located in GOVT LOT 4 & GOVT LOT 3 EX LOT 1 HOOTH FARM SUBDIVISION in 3-121-49 (Kilborn Twp). Motion by Street and seconded by Mach to approve permit DR2021-25. Drainage Officer Berkner presented the permit as follows. The project is in Roberts and Grant County. Roberts County does not have a drainage ordinance. The part of the project located in Grant County is being considered. The natural run goes south into Grant County and then turns and flows back north into Roberts County. The project area is 40 acres with a direct impact of 25 acres. The output calculator and the tile map indicate an eight-inch pipe with a slope of .1 to .153 with a flow rate of 185 to 200 gallons per minute. No significant impact to the run. The project does cross a shared township road and signatures have been obtained from both Township officials. The applicant addressed all the questions on the application and section 101 is answered in the affirmative. Commissioner Tostenson was onsite to review the project and indicated the outlet goes into the run located within the project area. The project will help to control erosion and improve farming practices.

Applicant Matt Lowe spoke next. He stated the ground is a hit or miss if the crop can be planted. The goal of the tiling project is to make the ground more productive by redirecting the water into the natural waterway.

Chairman Tostenson opened the public hearing and called for pro and con comments from the public on DR2021-25. There were not any comments offered and the public hearing was closed. The Board began their discussion. Commissioner Buttke asked if there would be any impacts to fish or wildlife. The applicant responded no. Commissioner Street indicated this is a straightforward project dumping into a stream and the amount of water would not impact the stream. Commissioner Mach asked for clarification if a permit was required from Roberts County. Answer is no as the County repealed the drainage ordinance. He asked if the eight-inch tile outlet has an open end. The answer was no. The last question was on road maintenance. The applicant has a three-year agreement with the Township to maintain the section of road where the tile goes through. Commissioner Stengel asked if the tile was outside of the ROW. The applicant responded yes. Commissioner Stengel questioned if the road maintenance issue should be a condition of the permit. States Attorney Schwandt responded it is a township road and not under the county’s authority. Commissioner Tostenson asked if any easements were needed. Response was no. Chairman Tostenson asked for a roll call vote. Stengel aye, Street aye, Buttke aye, Mach aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0. Chairman Tostenson reminded the applicant to bring in the final tile diagram to the Drainage Officer when the project is completed.

Chairman Tostenson called for a motion to approve Permit DR2021-26 for Tim Wollschlager in the SW ¼ of 10-118-48 (Adams West Twp). Motion by Mach and seconded by Buttke to approve DR2021-26. Drainage Officer Berkner presented the application and stated the applicant’s project is within their own land. Total project area is 80 acres with the tile pattern being approximately 40 acres. It has an 8-inch tile outlet in the natural waterway and the estimate for the pipe is 186 gallons per minute. The tile pattern will direct the water to the natural water course on the applicant’s land. The applicant and Drainage Officer answered Section 317 and 101 all in the affirmative.

The applicant stated the tiling project is to help get rid of the ponding of water by the road, reduce the alkali in the soil and move the water toward the natural run that goes into the Yellowbank.

Chairman Tostenson opened the public hearing and called for pro and con comments from the public on DR2021-26. There were not any comments offered and the public hearing was closed. The Board began their discussion. Commissioner Street asked to see the tile diagram prepared by the tiler, Eric Peterson. There are a total of three outlets, two on the south side of the draw and one on the north side of the draw. Commissioner Street’s conclusion is the run, and the Yellowback are sufficient to carry the water flow. Commissioner Buttke asked if the Yellowbank can handle the three outlets. Applicant answered yes. Commissioner Buttke also asked if any wetlands were being disturbed. Applicant answered no. The wetland determination map is on file with the Drainage Officer. Commissioner Mach questioned the sponge effect of a perforated tile versus an enclosed tile that runs directly from the inlet to the outlet creating a direct route of water. Drainage Officer Berkner clarified a six-inch pipe with gravity flow/slope runs about 90 gallons a minute. Chairman Tostenson asked the Drainage Officer to find out more information for future discussion on open inlets, slowing down the intake of water and if the water creates a trenching/erosion issue in the ground. The applicant stated there are not any other landowners involved with this project; no one is connecting into the outlet pipe. Finally, no wetlands are affected by the permit, does not disturb fish or wildlife, no natural springs or highwater levels are affected. Commissioner Stengel stated the water naturally flows towards the creek and makes sense to allow this ground to be farmed. Commissioner Street stated this is non-wetland grounds where the inlets are located. Chairman Tostenson reminded the applicant to bring in the final tile drawing when completed. Chairman Tostenson asked for a roll call vote. Stengel aye, Street aye, Buttke aye, Mach aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0.

Rock Channel: The issue of the rock channel in Section 27 of Vernon Twp backing up water was brought to the attention of the Board by Dennis Kohl. Prior minutes relating to this issue had been given to the States Attorney and Board members. The County had installed (3) seven foot culverts and a rock channel had been placed outside the ROW to lower erosion of the ground next to the road. Supt. Schultz reported there are not any rocks within the ROW currently. Commissioner Street stated the tenants have restructured the rocks to choke the waterflow down to about half. He asked if anyone from the Bailey Trust could be contacted. States Attorney Jackson addressed the Board. In reviewing SDCL 46A-10A-34, this appears to be a dispute between landowners on drainage. In the past, the Board has declined to hear disputes and directed the parties to file in circuit court or suggested the use of the State’s Mediation Board. Chairman Tostenson stated in past practices the prior Board had sent both parties out to another room to work out a solution. Chairman Tostenson asked if it is the consensus of the Board to have the parties involved to seek relief through circuit court or the State Mediation Board. Reponses were yes. Mr. Kohl responded they had already tried to resolve the issue. Chairman Tostenson again advised Mr. Kohl to discuss with his neighbors to resolve the issue or seek relief through the Circuit Court or the State Mediation Board.

This concluded the business for the Drainage Board. Chairman Tostenson adjourned the Drainage Board and reconvened the Board of Commissioners.

5-Year Plan: There were not any changes proposed to the 2022 Five-Year Highway Plan. There was discussion on choosing the order for bridges to be added to the 5-Year plan. Commissioner Street questioned why a bridge in Madison Township was on the plan instead of a bridge on the line road by Pinkert’s, bridge #380-083. Supt. Schultz reported he uses the bridge inspection report, sufficiency rating, plus traffic count to determine if the bridge replacement will meet the BIG qualifications to be considered for funding. Supt. Schultz reported there will be eight bridges completed this year and since 1998 there have been a total of 124 structures replaced and these structures continue to be in good repair to this day and indicates the plan for replacing structures is working. Commissioner Stengel called the question to adopt the 5-Year Plan as presented and the following resolution with Commissioner Mach seconding the motion. Commissioner Stengel stated the plan needs to follow the recommendation from the Hwy Supt. rather than changing the plan as the plan is used for determining funding needs as well meeting the requirements of the BIG grant process. Commissioner Street responded he was trying to provide oversite, not add another bridge, but to switch funding to a different area. The question was called again, and Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Buttke aye, Mach aye, Street aye, Stengel aye and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0. Resolution adopted.

Grant County Resolution

of Adoption

RESOLUTION 2021-28

A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE GRANT COUNTY FIVE-YEAR HIGHWAY AND

BRIDGE IMPROVEMENT PLAN

WHEREAS, the South Dakota Department of Transportation Local Bridge and Improvement Grant Fund requires that in order to be eligible to apply for Bridge Improvement Grant funds, Counties are required to develop a five-year Highway and Bridge Improvement Plan, hereinafter referred to as Plan; and

WHEREAS, Grant County has utilized the South Dakota Department of Transportation, County Staff, the First District Association of Local Governments, Townships, and the general public in developing the various components of the Plan; and

WHEREAS, the Plan includes maps and lists identifying an inventory of highways and bridges, project needs, and revenue sources; and

WHEREAS, Grant County held a public meeting on September 7, 2021 to solicit input into the Plan, and the citizens who attended expressed an interest in the Plan; and

WHEREAS, the County will be able to use the Plan as a tool to budget for transportation enhancements and better coordinate transportation issues with other entities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GRANT COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS THAT THE GRANT COUNTY FIVE-YEAR HIGHWAY AND BRIDGE IMPROVEMENT PLAN IS HEREBY ADOPTED AND IS RECOGNIZED AS THE HIGHWAY AND BRIDGE IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR GRANT COUNTY.

Dated at Grant County, South Dakota this 21st day of September, 2021.

William J. Tostenson

Grant County Commissioner Chair

ATTEST: Karen M. Layher 

Grant County Auditor 

Highway: Supt. Schultz presented for signature two Bridge Improvement Grant Agreements for preliminary engineering on two bridges that were awarded a BIG grant. The bridge numbers are 26-270-237 and 26-310-177. The two bridge projects are BRO 8026(00) 22-1, PCN 08TG and BRO 8026(00) 22-2, PCN 08TH. Each bridge was awarded $17,500 for the preliminary engineering with a 50/50 cost share. Motion by Stengel and seconded by Mach to authorize Chairman Tostenson to sign the preliminary engineering grant award agreements as presented. Motion carried 5-0.

Unfinished Business: Dan Scoblic presented pictures he had taken of the Pony Truss Bridge which is a 98’ span bridge. He would like to suggest a low river crossing like what is installed at Marten’s Crossing. The Township would like to keep the conversation going with the County to either repair the structure or put in a low river crossing as this would be beneficial for the residents on this road. Supt. Schultz reported he had Brian from Hollaway Construction look at the bridge and site. Brian has agreed to sketch out some costs and options. It was suggested until Kerwin receives this information from Hollaway and brings the information to a future meeting, the discussion is on hold. Chairman Tostenson asked Dan to work on possible financing solutions.

2022 Budget: The Commission reviewed the final changes to the 2022 budget, the County’s tax call for 2022, the levies for the General Fund and the Road and Bridge Fund. Motion by Stengel and seconded by Mach to adopt the following list of revisions to the Provisional Budget for the 2022 final budget. Chairman

Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Stengel aye, Street aye, Buttke aye, Mach aye, and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0.

 

 

(two col. chart here)

 

 

 

Summary of changes made to the final 2022 budget are as follows:

Treasurer: Increase in deputy hours to full time instead of ¾ time, health insurance change from 15% to 3% increase. Net change to budget of 149.00

VSO: Line item 426.9 supplies decrease by 2,000.00 for coins.

Data Processing: An increase of 12,783.00 for computer replacement plan and email security monitoring.

County Health Nurse: An increase in minor equipment of 300.00 as requested by department head.

911: An increase in other professional services of 12,000.00 for possible contract change with the City of Watertown for dispatch services.

Motion by Stengel and seconded by Street to adopt the following resolution to establish the General Fund tax call, Road and Bridge tax call and levies. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Stengel aye, Street aye, Buttke aye, Mach aye, and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0. Resolution adopted.

2021-29

ANNUAL BUDGET FOR

GRANT COUNTY, SD

For the year January 1, 2022 to 

December 31, 2022

ADOPTION OF ANNUAL BUDGET FOR GRANT COUNTY,

SOUTH DAKOTA

Whereas (7-21-5 thru 13) SDCL, provides that the Board of County Commissioners shall each year prepare a Provisional Budget of all contemplated expenditures and revenues of the county and all its institutions and agencies for such fiscal year and,

Whereas, the Board of County Commissioners did prepare a Provisional Budget and cause same to be published by law, and

Whereas, due and legal notice has been given to the meeting of the Board of County Commissioners for the consideration of such Provisional Budget and all changes, eliminations and additions have been made thereto.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that such provisional budget as amended and all its purposes, schedules, appropriations, amounts, estimates and all matters therein set forth, SHALL BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED AS THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE APPROPRIATION AND EXPENDITURES FOR Grant County, South Dakota and all its institutions and agencies for calendar year beginning January 1, 2022 and ending December 31, 2022 and the same is hereby approved and adopted by the Board of County Commissioners of Grant County, South Dakota this 21st day of September, 2021. The Annual Budget so adopted is available for public inspection during normal business hours at the office of County Auditor, Grant County, South Dakota. The accompanying taxes are levied by Grant County for the year January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS of Grant County, South Dakota.

William J. Tostenson, Chairman

Doug Stengel, Commissioner

William Street, Commissioner

Marty Buttke, Commissioner

Michael Mach, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Karen M. Layher

County Auditor

COUNTY TAX LEVIES, DOLLARS, $’s/1000

GENERAL COUNTY PURPOSES, $4,702,850, $3.913

COUNTY ROAD and BRIDGE 

(10-12-13), $302,867, $0.252

TOTAL TAXES LEVIED BY COUNTY, 

$5,005,717 $4.165

Golf Course Request: Commissioner Mach excused himself from the discussion. The Commission voiced concerns of providing funding for a private entity when tax revenue needs to be directed to roads, structures, and other areas the Commission is required to fund. For a vote to be brought to the floor, Commissioner Street motioned to approve an allocation of funding to help with improvements at the golf course. Chairman Tostenson called for a second three times. Motion failed due to a lack of a second. Marvin Fire Dept: The fire department has $60,000 remaining to be raised to finish the fire hall at Marvin and a request was brought forth to the Commission to consider an allocation to the project. It was the consensus of the Commission to consider this request during the final meeting of 2021.

Budget Supplement: The two budget supplement hearings were held with no members of the public present. The purpose of the first budget supplement of $1,100,000 is to adopt budget authority for the change to budget #523 4-H Building due to the building of the 4-H Static Building. The source of cash being from the designated donations in Fund 101. The purpose of the second budget supplement of $764,000 is to adopt budget authority for the change to budget #311 Highway due to the building of box culvert project 26-320-053 by DeVaals. The source of cash being from receiving 80% of the project cost from the BIG grant program and 20% of the project cost from fund 201 Highway Fund. Motion by Stengel and seconded by Buttke to approve the budget supplement of $1,100,000 to #523 4-H Building and $764,000 #311 Highway as presented. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Stengel aye, Street aye, Buttke aye, Mach aye, and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0.

NorthWestern Energy: Present was Robert Gehm, Real Estate and Lands and Permitting Representative for NorthWestern. The Board held a public hearing for the purpose to act upon a request from NorthWestern for a 20-year franchise to erect and maintain poles, wires and necessary appurtenances and bury cable for the purpose of conducting electricity for lighting, heating and power purposes (Power Lines) on and along the county highways. Motion by Stengel and seconded by

Street to approve Resolution 2021-30. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Stengel aye, Street aye, Buttke aye, Mach aye, and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0. Resolution adopted.

RESOLUTION 2021-30

RECITALS

I.

WHEREAS, NorthWestern Corporation, a Delaware Corporation, d/b/a NorthWestern Energy (NorthWestern), has filed an application with the Grant County Board of Commissioners pursuant to Chapter 31-26 of the South Dakota Codified Laws, seeking the right to erect and maintain poles, wires and necessary appurtenances and bury cable for the purpose of conducting electricity for lighting, heating and power purposes (Power Lines) on and along the county highways located in Grant County, South Dakota.

II.

WHEREAS, the Grant County Board of Commissioners has the jurisdiction and authority to grant the application of NorthWestern as set forth in paragraph I above, subject to such conditions as it may desire to impose.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Grant County Board of Commissioners as follows:

1. That the application of Northwestern dated August 13, 2021, for permission to erect and maintain Power Lines on and along Grant County public highways is granted subject to the conditions set forth herein.

2. That this grant is for a period twenty (20) years from and after September 21, 2021, or as may be extended by the Grant County Board of Commissioners in writing at a subsequent date.

3. That as consideration for this grant, NorthWestern agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Grant County, its officers and employees from any and all liability, damages, claims, demands or otherwise, whether the same is based on contract or otherwise in law or in equity associated with the design, construction, installation, operating, inspecting, repairing, maintaining, replacing or removal of the Power Lines along with all appurtenances thereto located pursuant to this grant, except such liability, damages, claims or demands which arise as a result of the negligence of the county, its officers, employees or agents.

4. That as additional consideration for this grant, NorthWestern agrees to restore, at its expense, the affected areas in as good condition as before said work was commenced and replace any structures affected, i.e. culverts and signs; and if the public highways in the county should be rebuilt or construction and maintenance of the county highways requires the removal or relocation of the Power Lines, it shall be solely at the expense of NorthWestern.

5. That the rights and conditions by this grant shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of NorthWestern.

6. This grant shall further be subject to all rules and regulations as specified in the current edition of the National Electrical Safety Code.

7. That this grant shall not be effective until execution of the acceptance of the conditions set forth below by NorthWestern.

Dated this 21st day of September, 2021.

GRANT COUNTY BOARD OF

COMMISSIONERS

By William J. Tostenson

Chairman, Board of County

Commissioners

ATTEST:

Karen M. Layher

County Auditor

The foregoing resolution was made by Commissioner Stengel and seconded by Commissioner Street, and upon a vote being taken thereon:

The following voted yea: Stengel, Street, Buttke, Mach and Tostenson

The following voted nay: None

4-H Building: Advisor Sara Koepke was present. Auditor Layher submitted change order #1 in the amount of $5,346.28 for upgrading the bathroom partitions to poly rather than metal and bathroom accessories of mirrors, paper towel dispensaries, toilet paper holders, fire extinguisher and case. Motion by Stengel and seconded Buttke to approve the change order as presented. Chairman Tostenson called for a roll call vote. Stengel aye, Street aye, Buttke aye, Mach aye, and Tostenson aye. Motion carried 5-0. Electrical: A discussion was held on moving the electrical transformer to a different location on the grounds and to upgrade to one service for both buildings. The Commission requested Sara and Auditor Layher to gather additional information on pricing.

The fence on the west side of the grounds is being removed by the highway bridge crew to allow for easier access to the grounds during the construction period. Sara reported on the gift of bleachers she obtained from Koch School. She talked about fall programming and her grant writing to obtains funds for the building.

Travel: Motion by Mach and seconded by Stengel to approve travel for the Auditor and Deputies to attend the bi-annual election school training in Pierre and to close the office to allow the staff to attend. Motion carried 5-0.

2022 Health Insurance: The Commission reviewed the rates for the 2022 health insurance plan with Wellmark, which will increase by 2.25%. Motion by Street and seconded by Buttke to approve Wellmark as the health insurance provider for 2022 selecting the Modified PPO Plan with a $6,000 deductible with the County to pay the single premium rate of $949.98 for the employee plan, for the employee /spouse plan and for the employee/children plan with the County covering 60% of the premium ($1749.29) for family coverage. For the employee only, the county will reimburse up to a maximum of $5,000 of the deductible. Motion carried 5-0.

Unfinished Business: More information was requested by Chairman Tostenson on the coin the VSO had asked the Commission to fund in 2022.

New Business: Chairman Tostenson reported the grant paperwork for the bus barn expansion has been completed for submission to the new administration. Commissioners Mach and Tostenson reported on the seminars they attended at Convention. Plats: The Auditor was instructed to advertise a special meeting for September 22 at 2 PM for the purpose to review and approve plats. Commissioner Mach reported on the Planning Commission discussion on amending the ordinance on aged mobile homes and the plat process.

Correspondence: The Commission was reminded of the open house at First District.

Consent: Motion by Street and seconded by Buttke to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried 5-0.

1. Approve renewal for ArcView ESRI for $1,000 for 12-8-2021 to 12-7-2022

2. Approve Cathy Schuelke as Deputy Treasurer effective 10-4-2021 at a rate of $17.35 per hour

Claims: Motion by Stengel and seconded by Mach to approve the claims as presented. Motion carried 5-0. A-OX WELDING, supply 16.49; BERKNER EXCAVATING, hwy proj 550.00; BIG STONE THERAPIES, DOT physical 65.00; BUTLER, repair & maint 496.15; CENTER POINT, books 92.21; CENTURYLINK, phone 151.08; CITY OF MILBANK, rubble site 1,725.00; CITY OF WATERTOWN, 911 surcharge 6,159.48; CONSOLIDATED READY MIX, gravel & hwy proj 14,459.40; CRAIG DEBOER, car wash 45.78; DAVID DAHLBERG, supplies 30.00; FISHER SAND & GRAVEL, gravel 402.48; FOLEY & FOLEY LAW OFFICE, court appt atty 1,974.10; GANNETT HOLDINGS, periodicals 204.91; HARTMAN'S, prisoner meals 104.20; HOLLAWAY BRIDGE & CULVERT, hwy proj 170,629.04; INGRAM, books 716.64; INSIGHT, supplies 575.00; LEWIS, supplies 434.46; MICROMARKETING, audio/visuals 20.99; MILBANK WINWATER WORKS,

supplies & hwy proj 1,039.30; NORTHWESTERN ENERGY, natural gas 4.27; OTTER TAIL POWER, electricity 3,278.43; RC TECHNOLOGIES, 911 transport & tower rent 95.96; RELX, online charges 725.00; RIVER STREET PETROLEUM, diesel & gas 12,167.73; RONALD R. FRAUENSHUH, JR, court appt atty 808.59; RUNNINGS, supplies 348.53; RYAN MAGEDANZ, prof services 231.51; SDAAO, registration 50.00; ST WILLIAMS, prisoner laundry 86.40; STATE OF SD, supplies, minor equip 3,102.51; STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA, supplies 239.52; STEPP MFG, supplies 2,707.51; TRUENORTH STEEL, bridge & culverts 4,481.20; TYLER TECHNOLOGIES, registration 195.00; UNZEN MOTORS, repairs & maint 598.48; VALLEY OFFICE PRODUCTS, supplies 1,164.02; VERIZON WIRELESS, hotspot 98.52; VISA, books, repairs, motel 1,818.03; WASTE MANAGEMENT, garbage service 457.90; WHETSTONE HOME CENTER, supplies 26.48; WHETSTONE VALLEY ELECTRIC, electricity 875.96; XEROX, copier rent 746.92. TOTAL: $234,200.18.

Payroll for the following departments and offices for the September 14, 2021, payroll are as follows: COMMISSIONERS 3,223.90; AUDITOR 7,663.81; ELECTION 71.80; TREASURER 3,848.67; STATES ATTORNEY 6,051.42; CUSTODIANS 2,419.40; DIR. OF EQUALIZATION 3,974.56; REG. OF DEEDS 4,511.92; VET. SERV. OFFICER 1,171.50; SHERIFF 13,335.02; COMMUNICATION CTR 8,259.53; PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE 792.00; ICAP 75.90; VISITING NEIGHBOR 1,644.15; LIBRARY 7,494.58; 4-H 4,279.98; WEED CONTROL 2,635.13; P&Z 1,292.00; DRAINAGE 380.00; ROAD & BRIDGE 32,458.28; EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 2,418.00. TOTAL: $108,001.55.

Payroll Claims: FIRST BANK & TRUST, Fed WH 8,446.07; FIRST BANK & TRUST, FICA WH & Match 13,145.14; FIRST BANK & TRUST, Medicare WH & Match 3,074.22; AAA COLLECTIONS, deduction 33.42; ACCOUNTS MANAGEMENT, deduction 98.05; AMERICAN FAMILY LIFE, AFLAC ins. 1,468.71; WELLMARK-BLUE CROSS OF SD, Employee health ins. 985.12; OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT, child support 210.00; SDRS SUPPLEMENTAL, deduction 1,369.33; SDRS, retire 12,263.76. TOTAL: $41,093.82.

MONTHLY FEES: SD DEPT OF REVENUE, monthly fees 151,396.17; SD DEPT OF REVENUE, sales & use tax 371.06; SDACO, ROD modernization fee 414.00. TOTAL: $152,181.23.

Executive Session: Motion by Buttke and seconded by Mach to enter executive session at 11:10 AM for the purpose of a personnel issue pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2 (1). Motion carried 5-0. Auditor Layher and States Attorney Schwandt were present. Chairman Tostenson declared the meeting open to the public at 12:05 PM. Chairman Tostenson relinquished the chair to Vice Chairman Stengel. Motion by Mach and seconded by Buttke to approve moving forward with the proposed wage scale adjustments for 2022 with the final approval to be at the year-end meeting. Motion carried 4-0 with Tostenson excused. Vice-Chairman Stengel relinquished the chair back to Chairman Tostenson.

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 October 5 and 19, and November 2 and 16, 2021, at 8 AM. Motion by Mach and seconded by Buttke to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned.

 /s/ William J. Tostenson, Chairman,

Grant County Commission

/s/ Karen M. Layher, 

Grant County Auditor