At their final meeting of 2024 on Dec. 31, the Marshall County Commission expressed gratitude to Leron Knebel for his dedication and service as a commissioner. Knebel served on the board from January 2013, with his term expiring on Jan. 7, 2025. Andrea Kilker has since assumed the District 4 seat.
The board approved an agreement with the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Department to repave portions of 438th Avenue and Northside Drive near Roy Lake in 2025. The department will cover 100% of the project costs, while Marshall County will handle routine maintenance, including one chip seal, by Dec. 31, 2028.
Highway Superintendent Dustin Hofland updated the board on several matters, including a bridge improvement grant application for a structure in Stena Township, which the board authorized the chair to sign. Hofland also reviewed options for the Langford Blade as its seven-year lease nears expiration and will return with extended warranty details for further discussion.
As part of year-end procedures, the board approved various budget contingencies and supplements, including adjustments to the modernization and preservation budget. Full details of the transfers are available in the meeting minutes.
In personnel matters, the board approved a 50-cent pay raise for Deputy Treasurer Ginger Olson following her six-month review, effective Dec. 2, 2024. Additionally, they approved the hiring of DeAnne Taylor as a part-time Deputy Treasurer, effective the same date.
The board also adopted a public comment policy. The policy outlines procedures for public input during regular meetings. A designated comment period is included on each agenda, with speakers limited to three minutes unless extended at the chairperson’s discretion. Those wishing to speak must sign up beforehand, providing their name, address, and topic. The board is not required to respond but may ask clarifying questions. The chairperson enforces the policy and may remove disruptive individuals if necessary. For the full policy, see the meeting minutes in this week’s paper.
At their reorganizational meeting on Tuesday, the Marshall County Commission set the board for the upcoming year, with few changes. Matt Schuller was re-elected chairman, and Doug Medhaug will continue as vice chairman.
New commissioner Andrea Kilker was sworn into the District 4 seat, while Jason Bender officially took the oath for the District 2 seat after previously being appointed to the position. Schuller, State’s Attorney Victor Rapkoch, and new Treasurer Amanda Streier also took their oaths of office.
During the meeting, the board established new committees and approved salaries for the year. The full salary list and additional details will be published in the meeting in next week’s paper.
In other business, the board was informed that an insurance claim for nearly $10,000 had been approved to cover lightning damage to the county fuel system.
Temperature: 16°F Town: Britton, SD
Pressure: 1015 hPa
Wind: 8 mph
