By Aberdeen Insider - October 2, 2025 in BROWN COUNTY COMMISSION
NOTICE OF 9/23/25 GENERAL MEETING MINUTES
Meeting called to order by Chairman Sutton at 8:45 A.M. in the Commission Chambers, Courthouse Annex, Brown County, SD. Present were Commissioners Dennert, Dinger, Gage, Sutton and Wiese. Commissioner Wiese led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Moved by Commissioner Wiese, seconded by Dinger to approve the agenda All members present voting aye. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Joe Kraft, Equalization Appraiser and Mike Herman, Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR) Area Volunteer presented Gene Loeschke, Director of Equalization with The Patriot Award from The Secretary of Defense, for his support of Joe, who is a service member and his family.
DISCUSS ANNEXATION OF FAIRGROUNDS: Chairman Sutton shared that the County Commission has been in extensive talks with Mayor Schaunaman and the City Council regarding Annexing in the Fairgrounds. This would be a benefit for the City of Aberdeen and Brown County. Sutton explained that the City of Aberdeen will pass an Ordinance, Ron Wager, City Attorney, has drafted a contract that has been reviewed by the State’s Attorney, and it allows the County to deannex if the process doesn’t work out. The Contract will need to be approved by the Aberdeen City Council, Brown County Commission and Fair Board; then signed by the Mayor of Aberdeen, Chairman for Commission and President of the Fair Board. The City of Aberdeen will not be able to enforce City Ordinances at the Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds will continue to be managed and controlled by the County, including alcohol licenses. The City of Aberdeen will be able to charge an additional 2-3% Sales Tax, which would be returned to the County on a Quarterly Basis and be put into the Fairgrounds Improvement Fund, estimating $120 to $150 thousand. Chairman Sutton also stated that they have had conversations with the Department of Revenue, and they don’t have any opposition to this agreement.
Commissioner Dinger asked Rachel Kippley, Fair/Fairgrounds/Parks Manager, to share what the funds would be used for. Rachel stated she developed a Strategic Plan, which includes the new 4-H Building; Grandstand within 5 years and then roads and parking lots. Commissioner Wiese added that the Grandstand would include new restrooms as well. He feels the shared revenue will be beneficial to the entire region and personally appreciates the city for their willingness to do this.
Mayor Schaunaman informed everyone that the Aberdeen City Planning and Zoning need to sign-off on this as well, they will be holding a special meeting on September 30th to pass the Ordinance. Then the City Council will act on the Ordinance. After that process the City Council will proceed with the contract.
APPLICATION FOR OCCUPANCY: Moved by Commissioner Wiese, seconded by Gage to approve the following application submitted by West Lake, LLC for occupancy of Brown County Highway 12W in Section 15-T123N-R64W, Brown County, South Dakota to clean out/excavate sediment from culvert invert; to be completed to pre-existing grades and widths. Road Closure and Corp of Engineers comms are the responsibility of the Owner. All members present voting aye. Motion carried.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT UPDATE: Dirk Rogers, Highway Superintendent, informed the Commission that they have about 2 ½ weeks left of paving at Mansfield, then will go the Bridge on 21, which will be followed by doing the North Parking Lot across from the Courthouse. Dirk shared he will need to visit with the city through regarding the entrance. Depending on the weather, they want to work on road going into Warner off 281 and Fairgrounds Road. They still have about 30 miles of striping to as well.
Dirk commented on the Drain Tile project at the Fairgrounds; he feels the outlet needs to go further to the East. He also shared that the James River is settling a little, currently at 33’ below crest and Crow Creek is at 30”. The gates are wide open. Dirk gave an update on the Training he attended last week, as well.
Commissioner Dinger asked if there were any updated on the Richmond Dam project. Dirk said he had not heard anything. Commissioner Dennert shared that he was informed that the water levels will be lower than anticipated.
ADOPT FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET: Auditor Heupel shared that she made some adjustments to the Mental Health Board Budget, because the County is looking at having a Mental Health Board again. So that budget would go from $40,000.00 to $56,400.00. Commissioner Gage stated this would save the County because the number of transports would go down; individuals would have a shorter stay in jail and would better serve the Community. Moved by Commissioner Wiese, seconded by Gage to approve this change with a new total budget of $56,706,545.00. All members present voting aye. Motion carried. Auditor Heupel informed the Commission she will make the changes and present the Resolution next week.
APPROVAL OF BUDGET ADJUSTMENT: Moved by Commissioner Wiese, seconded by Dennert to approve the following Budget Adjustment for the State’s Attorney 2025 Budget: 101.5.151.42221 – Competency Evals for $5,000.00; 101.5.151.42222 – Psychological Evals for $5,000.00 from 101.5.151.42204 – Psych/Sexual Evals for $10,000.00. All members present voting aye. Motion carried.
MINUTES: Moved by Commissioner Dinger, seconded by Gage to approve the General Meeting Minutes of September 16, 2025. All members present voting aye. Motion carried.
CLAIMS/PAYROLL: Moved by Commissioner Dennert, seconded by Wiese to approve the following claims/payroll: Claims: Insurance: SD Assoc of County Commissioners $21,569.00. Professional Fees: Alesha Stadel $50.00; Ashley Seeklander $50.00; Carrie Hansen $50.00; Christy Griffin-Serr Law Office $1,350.00; Credit Collections Bureau $21.34; Dakota Group LLC $5,664.07; Dohrer Law Office, PC $1,440.00; Doreen Sperry $50.00; Faulk County Sheriff’s Office $3,420.00; Florence Kraus $50.00; Karin Sue Bartell $50.00; Kristi Brandt $42.50; Kuck Law Office $4,020.00; Lenling Law Office, Prof. LLC $4,740.00; Lewis & Clark BHS $225.00; Linda Huettl $50.00; Priority Dispatch Corp $245.00; Rosalie Schumacher $50.00; Sanford Health Occupational Medicine $96.00; Sanford Health $675.00; SD Dept of Health $2,235.00; Shirelle Stadel $50.00; Wendy Brunes $50.00; Yankton County Sheriff’s Office $50.00; US Bank $130.00. Publishing: Aberdeen Catholic School System $425.00; Dakota Broadcasting, LLC $1,960.00; McQuillen Creative Group, Inc $926.45; US Bank 300.00. Repairs & Maintenance: EcoLab Pest Elimination Division $100.00; Jason’s Electric Inc $2,265.09; LyCox Enterprises Inc $1,350.00; Pierson Ford Lincoln, Inc $5,211.66; US Bank $6,353.01. Supplies: Advance Auto Parts $286.14; Agtegra Cooperative $2,115.67; Amazon Capital Services, Inc $1,016.36; Avera LTC Pharmacy Aberdeen $1,151.17; Central Network Retail Group LLC $30.87; Century Business Products $57.54; Cole Paper Inc $695.10; Dakota Electronics LLC $55.00; Dakota Oil $4,025.70; Farm Power Mfg. $162.11; Geffdog Designs $28.06; GovConnection, Inc $182.70; Jebro Inc $60,632.54; Josh Lee $394.96; Ken’s SuperFair Foods $504.45; Lien Transportation Company $18,612.00; Marco Technologies, LLC $575.86; Menards $191.32; Network Center, Inc $215.00; NVC $34.16; Performance Oil $596.46; Pierson Ford Lincoln, Inc $865.12; Sherwin Williams $33.88; Stan Houston Equipment Company, Inc $157.59; Steven Lust Automotive $95.80; Titan Machinery $210.75; US Bank $21,153.89. Travel & Conference: Aaron Walberg $415.40; Carrie Hansen $60.06; Carrie Weisenberger $51.24; Dale Kurth $167.58; David North $157.08; Gene Loeschke $485.60; James Meyers $31.50; JDHQ Hotels LLC $660.00; Jesse Milbrandt $415.40; Joe Kraft $485.60; Karin Sue Bartell $59.36; Kent Karlen $14.00; Kuck Law Office $162.16; Lenling Law Office, Prof. LLC $80.00; Linda Marcuson $14.00; Michael Gage $235.00; Northeast South Dakota Family Violence Prevention Conference $475.00; Patrick Keatts $33.88; Paul Johnson $138.18; Rosalie Schumacher $85.68; Sarah Swenson $485.60; Scott Kolb $14.00; Stan Beckler $27.30; Stephanie Morgan $485.60; US Bank $3,083.41. Utilities: CenturyLink $568.95; City of Aberdeen Treasurer $3,955.72; Dependable Sanitation, Inc $580.00; Northwestern Energy $1,143.82; NVC $3,868.56; T-Mobile USA Inc $2,184.00; US Bank $4,234.71. Other: LyCox Enterprises Inc $24,845.00. Payroll: Commission $4,896.51; Elections $1,936.80; Auditor/Welfare $11,393.91; Treasurer $18,764.33; SA $35,664.23; Public Defender $9,778.21; Maintenance $12,893.75; Assessor $16,602.31; Register of Deeds $10,905.91; VSO $4,628.31; GIS $2,946.49; IT $10,005.68; HR $5,490.98; Sheriff $63,215.01; Jail $77,167.36; Coroner (Voucher) $1,000.00; Court Security $7,357.25; JDC $33,323.77; Museum $12,690.10; Parks/Fairgrounds $8,568.93; Fair Board $2,749.45; Weed $5,852.33; Planning & Zoning $8,062.17; Highway $56,233.98; Dispatch $41,114.82; Emergency $5,498.56; 24/7 Sobriety $2,460.95; Landfill $22,219.00; Meal Benefits $104.00; FICA $29,212.96; Medicare $6,832.11; HSA $2,309.40. All members present voting aye. Motion carried.
HR REPORT: Moved by Commissioner Gage, seconded by Dinger to approve the following Human Resource Report submitted by Human Resources Director, Allison Tunheim:
- Hiring of Misty Dosch as Brown County Fair/4-H Administrative Assistant; FT – starting wage $20.87/hr. – effective September 26, 2025.
- Return of Sarah Hartje as Brown County Fair Event Coordinator; FT – starting wage $25.43/hr. – effective October 27, 2025.
- Payment of retirement award for Daniel Schlosser in the amount of $150.00 before taxes, and the requirement was met.
All members present voting aye. Motion carried.
CLAIM ASSIGNMENTS: Moved by Commissioner Gage, seconded by Dennert to approve and authorize Auditor Heupel to sign the Claim Assignments against individuals to Credit Collections Bureau for the purpose of collecting liens. All members present voting aye. Motion carried.
ZONING ORDINANCES – SET HEARING DATE/AUTHORIZE ADVERTISING: Moved by Commissioner Dinger, seconded by Wiese to set hearing date and authorize publication for the first reading of the following zoning ordinances to be held on October 14, 2025 in the Commission Chambers, Courthouse Annex, Brown County, South Dakota. Proposed Ordinance #311, applicant David Sieh for the purpose of rezoning the following property from Agriculture Preservation District (AG-P) to Mini-Agriculture District (M-AG) to bring this parcel into compliance for its future use. Description of property: Proposed Lot 1, “Sieh Family First Addition” in the SE1/4 of Section 13-T125N-R62W of the 5th P.M., Brown County, South Dakota (39970 121st Street; Columbia Twp.). All members present voting aye. Motion carried.
MOHR FIRST ADDITION TO COLUMBIA PLAT:
RESOLUTION #2025-42
It was moved by Commissioner Dennert and seconded by Dinger and motion carried that the plat as shown hereon and as described on the accompanying play of “MOHR FIRST ADDITION TO COLUMBIA” in the NE ¼ of Section 29, Township 125 North, Range 62 West of the 5th P.M., in Brown County, South Dakota, be approved an accepted an the County Auditor is hereby instructed to endorse on such plat a copy of this resolution and to certify the same. All members present voting aye. Resolution adopted.
CHRISTIANSON FIRST SUBDIVISION PLAT:
RESOLUTION #2025-43
Commissioner Gage brought the following Resolution “Be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Brown County, South Dakota, that the plat showing “CHRISTIANSON FIRST SUBDIVISION in the SW ¼ OF SECTION 15-T126N-R63W of the 5TH P.M., Brown County South Dakota” having been examined, is hereby approved in accordance with the provisions of SDCL 11-3, and any amendments thereof.” Seconded by Dinger. All members present voting aye. Resolution adopted.
LOWARY FAMILY FIRST ADDITION PLAT:
RESOLUTION #2025-44
Commissioner Dennert brought the following Resolution “Be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Brown County, South Dakota, that the plat showing “LOWARY FAMILY FIRST ADDITION in the ne ¼ OF SECTION 27-T123N-R64W of the 5TH P.M., Brown County South Dakota” having been examined, is hereby approved in accordance with the provisions of SDCL 11-3, and any amendments thereof.” Seconded by Wiese. All members present voting aye. Resolution adopted.
SUMPTION OUTLOT PLAT:
RESOLUTION #2025-45
Commissioner Gage brought the following Resolution “Be it resolved by the County Commission of Brown County, South Dakota, that the plat showing “SUMPTION OUTLOT in the se ¼ OF SECTION 33-TOWNSHIP 128 NORTH, RANGE 64 WEST of the 5TH P.M., Brown County South Dakota” having been examined, is hereby approved in accordance with the provisions of SDCL of 1967, Chapter 11-3, and any amendments thereof.” Seconded by Dinger. All members present voting aye. Resolution adopted.
SIEH FAMILY FIRST ADDITION PLAT:
RESOLUTION #2025-46
Commissioner Gage brought the following Resolution “Be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Brown County, South Dakota, that the plat showing “SIEH FAMILY FIRST ADDITION in the se ¼ OF SECTION 13-T125N-R62W of the 5TH P.M., Brown County South Dakota” having been examined, is hereby approved in accordance with the provisions of SDCL 11-3, and any amendments thereof.” Seconded by Dennert. All members present voting aye. Resolution adopted.
KEATTS NINTH SUBDIVISION TO RICHMOND LAKE PLAT:
RESOLUTION #2025-47
Commissioner Dinger brought the following Resolution “Be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Brown County, South Dakota, that the plat showing “KEATTS NINTH SUBDIVISION TO RICHMOND LAKE in the W ½ OF NW ¼ OF SECTION 23-T124N-R65W of the 5TH P.M., Brown County South Dakota” having been examined, is hereby approved in accordance with the provisions of SDCL 11-3, and any amendments thereof.” Seconded by Wiese. All members present voting aye. Resolution adopted.
OTHER BUSINESS: Chairman Sutton shared that the Brown County Courthouse will be lit up in purple the month of October for Awareness of Domestic Violence and in November it will be lit up in Green in support of Operation Green Light for Veterans.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Moved by Commissioner Wiese, seconded by Dennert to go into Executive Session for Personnel per SDCL 1-25-2. All members present voting aye. Motion carried.
The Chair declared the executive session closed with No Action taken.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Commissioner Dennert, seconded by Wiese to adjourn the Brown County Commission at 9:58 a.m. All members present voting aye. Motion carried.
Lynn Heupel, Brown County Auditor
Published once on October 2, 2025, at the total approximate cost of $148.46 and may be viewed free of charge at www.sdpublicnotices.com and www.aberdeeninsider.com