By Aberdeen Insider - January 15, 2026 in SPINK COUNTY COMMISSION
REDFIELD, SOUTH DAKOTA
NOTICE OF 1/6/26 PROCEEDINGS
The Spink County Board of Commissioners met at 8:30 AM on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Spink County Courthouse. Present were Commissioners Dave Albrecht, Brian Johnson, Brett Knox, Kevin Siebrecht, and Suzanne Smith. Theresa Hodges, Auditor, acting as Chairman Pro-Tem, opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion was made by Smith, seconded by Knox, to adopt the agenda. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
MINUTES APPROVED
Motion was made by Albrecht, seconded by Siebrecht, to approve the minutes of the December 30, 2025 Commission meeting. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
- SD DANR Re: Air Quality general permit for concrete plants operating in South Dakota
CHAIRMAN NOMINATIONS
Hodges called for 2026 Spink County Commission Chairman nominations pursuant to SDCL 7-8-15.
Motion by Smith to nominate Brian Johnson for 2026 Chairman and that nominations cease; seconded by Knox. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
Chairman Johnson then called for nominations for Vice Chairman. Motion by Albrecht to nominate Suzanne Smith for 2026 Vice Chairman and that nominations cease; seconded by Knox. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Jaime Fisk, resident, commented on the courthouse facility. Sandy Jungwirth, resident, thanked the Commission for their work and requested discussion on election integrity in the upcoming months.
SHERIFF
Brett Christman, Chief Deputy Sheriff, gave an update of activities and filed three prisoner housing agreements.
PRISONER HOUSING AGREEMENT
Motion was made by Knox, seconded by Siebrecht, to approve the following agreements: Edmunds County Jail Housing Contract with a term of January 1, 2026 to December 31,2026, for $110.00 per adult prisoner day; the Beadle County Prisoner Housing Agreement with a term of January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026, for $105.00 per adult prisoner day; and Beadle County Juvenile Detention Center Prisoner Housing Agreement with a term of January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026, for $325.00 per juvenile prisoner day. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS:
Motion was made by Siebrecht, seconded by Smith, to approve the appointments of Commissioners to the following Boards for 2026:
County Employees Health Insurance Brian Johnson
Drainage All Commissioners & Denise Fliehe, Administrator
E911 All Commissioners
4-H Expansion & Advisory Committee Brett Knox
Fair Brian Johnson
Law Enforcement Suzanne Smith and Brian Johnson
LEPC Suzanne Smith
Northeast Council of Governments Brian Johnson, Brett Knox & Clayton Blachford (member at large)
Personnel Policy Board Dave Albrecht
Spink County Ambulance Kevin Siebrecht
Aberdeen Brown County Railroad Authority Suzanne Smith and alternate Kevin Siebrecht
All members voted aye. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING OFFICIAL COUNTY NEWSPAPERS – SDCL 7-18-3 (#26-1)
WHEREAS, it is the duty of the Spink County Board of Commissioners to designate and appoint the Spink County Official Newspapers,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Spink County Commissioners that The Redfield Press, Redfield, South Dakota, and The Aberdeen Insider, Aberdeen, SD, be designated and appointed the Official Legal Newspapers for Spink County, South Dakota, for the year 2026, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that such proceedings shall be published as soon after any meeting as practicable.
Motion was made by Smith, seconded by Knox, to approve and adopt the above resolution. All members present voted aye. Motion carried.
Dated this 6th day of January, 2026,
Brian Johnson, Chairman
Spink County Board of Commissioners
ATTEST:
Theresa Hodges, Auditor
Spink County, South Dakota
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION FOR ELECTION BOARDS (#26-2)
WHEREAS, annually it is the duty of the Spink County Board of Commissioners to establish an hourly rate to be paid to Superintendent and Deputies of each election and additional canvassing board, if appointed, in accordance with SDCL 12-15-11 and any amendments thereto, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Spink County Board of Commissioners, that the person delivering the poll books and ballot boxes to the proper authority to and from the polling place shall receive the current County rate for mileage for miles necessarily traveled in going to and returning from making such delivery, and
BE IT RESOLVED that the Superintendent and Deputies who attend the Election School shall receive $25.00 per diem in accordance with SDCL 12-15-7, $250 per diem for Election Day and the current County rate for mileage for miles necessarily traveled in going to and returning from such school, and
BE IT RESOLVED that the Resolution Board, Absentee Precinct Board, and Post-Election Audit Board members shall receive a minimum of $60.00 or $16.50 per hour if their time exceeds 3.5 hours, and
BE IT RESOLVED that aids providing assistance at the polling places shall receive $12.00 per hour, and
BE RESOLVED that the polling places shall receive compensation of $75.00 each for the Primary and General Elections.
RESOLUTION SETTING PER DIEM FOR BOARDS (#26-3)
WHEREAS, the Spink County Board of Commissioners is to set a per diem for the boards, such as County Fair, 4-H, E-911, and any other board pertaining to the County,
BE IT RESOLVED that each member of the boards shall receive the amount of $35.00 per diem for each and every meeting attended, plus the current County rate per mile to and from each meeting, and
BE IT RESOLVED that when a telephone conference call is made instead of a meeting each Board member shall receive $5.00 if contacted on telephone conference call, and
BE IT RESOLVED that when a Board member attends a multi-day state annual conference in accordance with grant requirements, the Board member shall receive the amount of $100.00 per diem, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Commissioner who is a member of such board shall receive mileage at the County rate, but Commissioner’s membership on such Board is part of the duties as a County Commissioner.
RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE PLACE TO HOLD CHATTEL MORTGAGE SALES (#26-4)
WHEREAS, it is the duty of the Spink County Board of Commissioners to designate the place at which Chattel Mortgage sales may be held in Spink County,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Spink County Board of Commissioners that the Court House in the City of Redfield is hereby designated as the place for holding Chattel Mortgage sales in Spink County.
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING SPINK COUNTY BANK DEPOSITORIES FOR 2026 (#26-5)
WHEREAS, the Spink County Board of Commissioners is to designate the bank depositories for all County funds,
BE IT RESOLVED that the following financial banking systems within Spink County be named as bank depositories for county funds:
BMO, Redfield Branch, Redfield
First Interstate Bank, Redfield Branch, Redfield
American Bank & Trust, Mellette
Farmers State Bank, Turton
Plains Commerce Bank, Conde
Heartland State Bank, Redfield Branch, Redfield; Tulare Branch, Tulare
And Dakotaland Federal Credit Union, Redfield;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following banking system within Spink County is the active depository for deposits and withdrawals of daily receipts of cash, checks, drafts and other cash items:
Heartland State Bank, Redfield Branch, Redfield
SPINK COUNTY WEIGHT LIMIT ENFORCEMENT RESOLUTION (#26-6)
WHEREAS, seasonal climatic changes can be detrimental to our highways, and
WHEREAS, the Spink County Board of Commissioners desires to protect existing Spink County highways, saving tax dollars, and
WHEREAS, the Spink County Board of Commissioners desires the enforcement of weight limitation of Spink County roads as set forth and posted by the Spink County Highway Superintendent, and
WHEREAS, the limits on Spink County Highways shall be set at six (6) ton per axle and the speed limit shall be set at 40 miles per hour on all asphalt surface roads, plus six miles of gravel from Day County west to State Highway 37, during the spring thaw period and when limit signs are in place,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the South Dakota Highway Patrol be and hereby is authorized and requested to enforce weight limitations on Spink County roads.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the penalty for the violation of load restrictions shall be as set forth in SDCL 32-22-55.
RESOLUTION SETTING BURIAL FEES (#26-7)
WHEREAS, it is the duty of the Spink County Board of Commissioners to establish an amount to be paid for services for County Burial in accordance with SDCL 28-17-4 and any amendments thereof,
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that for a standard sized casket and the burial services the sum of $2500.00 shall be allowed plus, $700 for a vault if used, the invoice amount for the opening and closing of the grave, the current IRS rate for mileage, and a flat fee of $2500.00 for cremations.
RESOLUTION SETTING NUMBER OF DEPUTIES AND CLERKS (#26-8)
WHEREAS, law requires the Board of Commissioners to fix the number of deputies and clerks that shall be employed in the offices of the County Treasurer, Auditor, Coroner and Register of Deeds, the time of employment and the compensation which they shall receive,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Spink County Board of Commissioners, in session this 6th day of January 2026, that in accordance with SDCL 7-7-20 deputies and clerks may be employed in these offices as follows:
Treasurer – two full-time deputy;
Auditor – two full-time deputies;
Coroner – deputies as needed;
Register of Deeds – one part-time deputy.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a part-time clerk may be employed at times in any of the offices, as deemed necessary by the elected officer. Salaries are to be as set by this Board.
Motion was made by Knox, seconded by Siebrecht, to approve and adopt the above seven resolutions. All members present voted aye. Motion carried.
Dated this 6th day of January, 2026,
Brian Johnson, Chairman
Spink County Board of Commissioners
ATTEST:
Theresa Hodges, Auditor
Spink County, South Dakota
APPOINTMENT OF DRAINAGE BOARD
The Board of Spink County Commissioners, in session this 6th day of January 2026, appoint the Spink County Board of Commissioners to the Spink County Drainage Board and also appoint Denise Fliehe as Drainage Administrator to be responsible for getting applications filled out, notifying County Commissioners, and setting hearing dates.
APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING & ZONING BOARD
The Board of Spink County Commissioners, in session this 6th day of January 2026, appoint the Spink County Board of Commissioners to the Spink County Planning & Zoning Board.
REGIONAL AGING COUNCIL
The Board of Spink County Commissioners, in session this 6th day of January 2026, appoint Mary O’Donnell to be Spink County’s board members on the Regional Aging Council of Northeast South Dakota.
Motion was made by Albrecht, seconded by Smith, to approve and adopt the above appointments to the three boards. All members present voted aye. Motion carried.
VOLUNTEERS FILED- Deputy State’s Attorneys: Alyssa Horn, Sovanna Beekman; 4-H: LEPC: Dave Bucholz, Lillie Bucholz, Adam Hahler.
SECOND READING OF REZONING
At 9:00 AM time set by public notice, the second reading of the rezoning changes for: repeal rezoning changes adopted October 21, 2025, Applicant: Tanner Binger; Legal: Binger Addition in the NE ¼ 15-115-65; Reason for Petition to Rezone: Reclassify from AG to Commercial; and replace with Applicant: Tanner Binger; Legal: Binger Second Addition in the NE ¼ 15-115-65; Reason for Petition to Rezone: Reclassify from AG to Commercial.. No one present was for or against the application. Motion was made by Smith, seconded by Siebrecht, to approve the rezoning changes of: Binger Addition in the NE ¼ 15-115-65, Spink County, SD, from Commercial to Agricultural; and Binger Second Addition in the NE ¼ 15-115-65; from Agricultural to Commercial. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Lana Greenfield, SD District 22 Representative, and Brandon Wipf, SD District 22 Senator, were present to discuss a recent meeting held at Northern Electric Cooperative in Aberdeen, SD, regarding data centers. Also discussed was HB 1005 for the 2026 legislative session.
PLANNING & ZONING BOARD
At 9:35 AM a motion was made by Knox, seconded by Smith, to recess as a Board of Commissioners and convene as the Planning & Zoning Board. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
The Board of County Commissioners reconvened at 10:13 AM after having adjourned as the Planning & Zoning Board.
SDSU 4-H
Rosemarie Nold, SDSU Interim Director of the SD 4-H Program, reviewed the MOU between SDSU and Spink County for the 4-H program.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 10:17 AM a motion was made by Smith, seconded by Knox, to enter into executive session to discuss personnel, with Rosemarie Nold, SDSU, present. All members voted aye. Motion carried. Chairman Brian Johnson declared the Board out of executive session at 10:46 AM, with the following action taken: Motion was made by Knox, seconded by Smith, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between SDSU Extension and Spink County in carrying out the 4-H and Youth Development education programs for the calendar year of 2026. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
2026 Spink County Fee Schedule
The proposed non-mandated fee schedule for 2026 was filed with recommended changes noted. Motion was made by Knox, seconded by Siebrecht, to adopt the 2026 Spink County non-mandated fees with the following changes under Director of Equalization: removal of maps 16 ½’x23”, 24”x36” and laminating fee per foot; removal of building permit late fee 3rd notice; changing to after 2nd building permit late fee notice names and fines will be reported to Planning & Zoning Board and States Attorney; and adding Data Center application fee of $200. All members voted aye. Motion carried. Fee schedule is available in related Departments and on the County website.
MEEETING DATES
March meeting dates were set as the 3rd, 17th and 31st; April meeting dates were set as the 14th and 28th due to Equalization; June meeting dates were set as the 4th and 16th due to the Primary election.
ABATEMENT APPLICATION
Motion was made by Smith, seconded by Siebrecht, to approve the Applications for Abatement of Property Taxes for the property described as: Lease site building & tower in the NE ¼ 21-116-65, Spink County, SD, abating: $94.78 of 2025 taxes pay 2026 due to the lease site being taxed by gross receipts tax. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
2026 SALARIES FILED – Highway Department: Barry Bawek 27.54/hr.; Kevin Corkins 27.66/hr. *, Shawn Doren 27.66/hr.; Travis Fast 27.66/hr. *, David Hoff 27.66/hr., Lance Hofius 26.79/hr., Roger Metzinger (Foreman) 28.95/hr.*, Todd Miner 27.66/hr., Jerome Morgan 27.66/hr.*, Jerrod Peterson(Lead Worker) 29.49/hr. *, Daniel Puff 27.66/hr., Garrett Salonen 27.66/hr., Randy Woodward 27.66/hr. *;
Clerks and Deputies: (Treasurer, Register of Deeds, Extension, Health, Highway, States Attorney) Ann Bottum 25.05/hr., Ericka Dale 25.33/hr., Samantha Garrison 25.33/hr., Kristina Hausvik 25.33/hr., Audrey Helm 25.90/hr.*, Amy Hermann 25.90/hr.*, Shawnmarie Lewis 25.90/hr. Michelle Schmitt 25.33/hr.;
Certified Deputies: (Auditor, Director of Equalization) Heather Jaton 26.86/hr.*, Tamara Suchor 26.86/hr.*, Denise Fliehe 26.86/hr., Sally Schwab 26.86/hr.*;
Office Manager: (Highway) Shirley Howe 26.86/hr.*;
Sheriff’s Dispatchers: Amy Akin 28.85/hr.(Chief); Jacob Clark 25.33/hr., Robert Coltharp 25.33/hr.; Jason Kraft 26.44/hr*., Cynthia Roe 26.44/hr.*, Christine Michlitsch 25.95/hr., Kandi Shantz 25.05/hr.; Dispatchers also receive a shift differential of $0.50/hr for hours worked between 2 PM – 10 PM; and $1.00/hr for hours worked between 10 PM – 6 AM;
Sheriff’s Deputies: Wyatt Anderson 29.29/hr., Brett Christman(Chief Deputy) 32.49/hr.*, Tonya Mayou 30.25/hr., Justin McDaniel 28.58/hr., John Miller 29.29/hr., Trent Remily 29.29/hr., Branden Roe 30.03/hr., Jackson Spurr 29.29/hr., Jerrin Wiman 30.03/hr.; Deputies also receive a shift differential of $0.50/hr for hours worked between 2 PM – 10 PM; and $1.00/hr for hours worked between 10 PM – 6 AM;
Maintenance: Lisa Otto 25.49/hr.*;
Elected and Appointed Officials Annual Salary: Commissioners: David Albrecht, 14,120.00/yr., Brian Johnson, Chairman, 15,320.00/yr., Brett Knox 14,120.00/yr., Kevin Siebrecht 14,120.00/yr., Suzanne Smith, 14,120.00/yr.; States Attorney: Victor Fischbach 65,855.00/yr., Sheriff: Jenna Appel 82,011.00/yr.*, Register of Deeds: Sonja Muellenberg 69,303.00/yr.*, Highway Superintendent: Jeff Haessig 82,011.00/yr.*, Auditor: Theresa Hodges 82,011.00/yr.*, Treasurer: Amy Michlitsch 69,303.00/yr.*, Director of Equalization: Tracey Millar 75,254.00/yr.*, Coroner: Kelly Hyke 12,875.00/yr. plus $125.00 per inquest; EMS: Andrew Rindelaub 62,916.00/yr.*; VSO: Steve Wollman 25.74/hr.;
Crossing Guards 21.48/hr.; Home Detention Monitors 23.56-24.35/hr.; Dispatcher serving as Matron/regular hourly wage; Temps will receive $18.00-21.50/hr and Highway Temps will receive $21.00-25.00/hr both depending upon experience, and at the discretion of supervisor.
*These employees receive longevity pay. Spink County’s policy is $25/year for years of service 5-9; $45/year for years of service 10-14; $65/year for 15-19; $85/year for 20-24 and $105/year for years of service 25 and beyond.
EXPENSE REQUESTS
Motion was made by Knox, seconded by Smith, to approve the following expense requests:
- Theresa Hodges, Auditor, Annual Report Workshop, Mitchell, SD;
- Kelly Hyke, Coroner, Investigating Intent Webinar;
- Kelly Hyke, Coroner, Frank Krumm, Deputy, SD Death Investigation Training Webinar;
All members voted aye. Motion carried.
CLAIMS AND REPORTS ALLOWED
Motion was made by Knox, seconded by Smith, to approve the following claims and reports. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
DECEMBER PAYROLL
Commissioners 6592.04
Auditor 21980.02
Treasurer 19150.19
States Attorney 12762.97
Government Building 5849.44
Director of Equalization 23944.97
Register of Deeds 7868.80
Veterans Service 1687.01
Sheriff 81180.69
Jail 1575.56
Coroner 2019.50
Welfare Director 694.09
WIC 6107.61
Extension 5917.79
Weed & Pest Control 581.68
Planning & Zoning 5803.01
Highway 92959.79
E-911 22123.09
Emergency Management 6708.01
24/7 Sobriety 524.47
Heartland State Bank-ACH FEE 40.00
COMMISSIONERS
NE COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS 11128.75
SD COUNTIES 2599.00
SDML WORKERS’ COMP FUND 237.16
ELECTION
E S & S, INC. 5536.99
PITNEY BOWES BANK INC 1500.00
SDML WORKERS’ COMP FUND 23.71
JUDICIAL SYSTEMS
PITNEY BOWES BANK INC 1000.00
AUDITOR
CONNECTING POINT 123.00
PITNEY BOWES BANK INC 2000.00
SD COUNTIES 347.55
SDML WORKERS’ COMP FUND 384.00
TREASURER
CONNECTING POINT 120.75
PITNEY BOWES BANK INC 5500.00
SD COUNTIES 347.56
SDML WORKERS’ COMP FUND 308.29
STATES ATTORNEY
CONNECTING POINT 42.50
PITNEY BOWES BANK INC 100.00
SD STATE’S ATTORNEY ASSOC 890.06
SDML WORKERS’ COMP FUND 232.01
GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
CONNECTING POINT 42.50
OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY 1262.40
SDML WORKERS’ COMP FUND 1428.55
DIRECTOR EQUALIZ.
CONNECTING POINT 441.83
PITNEY BOWES BANK INC 2600.00
SCHNEIDER GEOSPATIAL, LLC 12423.60
SDAAO 375.00
SDML WORKERS’ COMP FUND 2906.13
REGISTER OF DEEDS
CONNECTING POINT 118.50
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT 140.80
PITNEY BOWES BANK INC 200.00
SD COUNTIES 347.56
SDML WORKERS’ COMP FUND 142.29
VETERANS SERVICE
AT & T MOBILITY 42.86
CONNECTING POINT 40.25
SDML WORKERS’ COMP FUND 484.36
INFO TECHNOLOGY
CONNECTING POINT 660.59
SHERIFF
AUTOMATIC BUILDING CONTROLS 1599.00
CONNECTING POINT 1112.98
NATIONAL SHERIFFS’ ASSOC 125.00
PITNEY BOWES BANK INC 800.00
SD SHERIFFS’ ASSOCIATION 690.83
SDML WORKERS’ COMP FUND 10263.01
JAIL
SDML WORKERS’ COMP FUND 387.48
CORONER
SDML WORKERS’ COMP FUND 37.23
PUBLIC TRANSIT
SPINK COUNTY TRANSIT 11000.00
AREA IV NUTRITION
AREA IV SENIOR NURTRITION PROJ 6000.00
W.I.C.
SDML WORKERS’ COMP FUND 118.57
MENTALLY HANDICAPPED
YANKTON CO. SHERIFF’S OFFICE 50.00
COUNTY FAIR
SDML WORKERS’ COMP FUND 11.86
SENIOR CITIZENS
SPINK CO. SENIOR CITIZENS INC. 17280.00
EXTENSION
AT & T MOBILITY 40.54
CONNECTING POINT 78.25
PITNEY BOWES BANK INC 200.00
SDML WORKERS’ COMP FUND 151.93
WEED CONTROL
CONNECTING POINT 40.25
SDML WORKERS’ COMP FUND 399.51
PLANNING BOARD
CONNECTING POINT 40.25
PITNEY BOWES BANK INC 1800.00
SDML WORKERS’ COMP FUND 118.57
RD & BRG – ADMIN
AGTEGRA COOPERATIVE 9498.57
AT & T MOBILITY 126.36
BURDICK BROS. MACHINE & REPAIR 609.66
BUTLER MACHINERY CO. 4997.30
CONNECTING POINT 161.00
DOLAND CITY FINANCE OFFICE 65.55
AUTO VALUE REDFIELD 48.12
JOHNSON OIL COMPANY, INC. 70.40
PITNEY BOWES BANK INC 300.00
POWER PLAN (RDO) 5080.47
PRORATE SERVICES LLC 75.00
RUNNINGS 127.87
SD DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION 195253.65
SDML WORKERS’ COMP FUND 29792.15
E-911
SDML WORKERS’ COMP FUND 355.72
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
AT & T MOBILITY 65.60
CONNECTING POINT 42.50
SDML WORKERS’ COMP FUND 1109.47
OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUND
REFLECTIONS RECOVERY 45000.00
REPORTS
- December 2025 Register of Deeds Statement of Fees Collected.: $8,709.00
- December 2025 Comp & OT Report
- PDM Plan Update Quarterly Report
- January 2026 Quotes on Diesel Fuel & Ethanol/Gas
- December 2025 Highway Superintendent Report of Collections Made:
Road & Bridge Fund $100.00
- Auditor’s Account with the County Treasurer – 12/31/2025
Checking Accounts $2,330,484.07
Savings Accounts 935,285.60
Certificates of Deposits 3,830,000.00
Cash Change Accounts 100.00
Cash & Cash Items 66,169.35
Total $ 7,162,039.02
Chairman Johnson declared the meeting adjourned at 11:35 AM until 8:30 AM, Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Brian Johnson, Chairman
Spink County Board of Commissioners
ATTEST:
Theresa Hodges, Auditor
Spink County, South Dakota
Published once on January 15, 2026, at the total approximate cost of $243.88 and may be viewed free of charge at www.sdpublicnotices.com and www.aberdeeninsider.com