The Marshall County Commission met Tuesday morning. They approved a Parking Lot Change Order for the courthouse project. The parking lot asphalt had been removed from the original bid package after receiving only one bid that exceeded estimates. The project was scaled down and rebid, increasing the overall maximum cost of the courthouse project by $170,692. Officials said offices could expect to move back into the renovated courthouse by November, with the new portion of the building eyeing completion by the end of the year.
During the Provisional Budget Hearing, the commission approved the provisional budget. The annual budget hearing is scheduled for Sept. 30.
Highway Superintendent Dustin Hofland reported that the county received two applications for the Rural Access Infrastructure Fund, which helps townships and counties repair and replace culverts and bridges on secondary roads. Marshall County has about $144,000 available to grant to one or both projects. In addition, the county was awarded three preliminary engineering bridge grants from the South Dakota Transportation Commission. The grants are part of a $1.5 million program to enhance critical infrastructure across the state. Check next week’s Journal for more information on the grants.
The commission also discussed and approved contracting with Eagleview Imaging Program for aerial imagery of the county. The $27,570 annual contract over six years will allow the Department of Equalization to use aerial views to expedite inspections, property valuations, and other assessments.
Safety Committee updates included recognition of the county’s strong safety record, earning a 9% discount on insurance. The commission also adopted written guidelines for the committee.
Other business included approval of a $675 welfare claim to Langford Development Corporation. After executive session for legal and personnel matters, the commission approved a pay raise for Alecia Pearson to $18.50 per hour for cleaning the community building.
In zoning matters, the commission reviewed several building permit applications. Permits with variances were approved for Randy and Jackie Lien of Dumarce Township and Patricia Torness-Smith of Lake Township. Other permits were issued to Peter Rabenberg (Pleasant Valley Township), Tim Steiner (Lake Township), Chris Eye (White Township), and Bush Angus/James Bush (Stena Township).
The commission also noted that Ordinance No. 72, which includes regulations for campgrounds, will take effect on Sept. 9, 2025. Commissioners discussed the potential for separate zoning ordinances for meandered lakes in the future. In addition, the topic of data center and cryptocurrency-related ordinances was reviewed, with officials confirming that current county zoning regulations already address building requirements for such developments.
The next commission meeting is scheduled for Sept. 16.
