Pennington County appoints Tonia Young to Housing Redevelopment Commission

The Pennington County Board of Commissioners convened on July 1, 2025, to discuss several key issues, including the appointment of a new member to the Housing Redevelopment Commission and an annexation request from the Neckyoke Valley Road District.

The meeting began with a moment of silence and a pledge of allegiance, followed by the approval of the agenda and consent items without any public objections. One of the most significant discussions centered on the appointment of Tonia Young to the Pennington County Housing Redevelopment Commission. Young expressed her desire to represent tenants and bring her unique perspective as a resident of low-income housing. The commissioners praised her dedication, particularly noting her effort in reviewing the county's audit. The motion to appoint Young was unanimously approved.

Another important topic was the annexation request from the Neckyoke Valley Road District. County Auditor Cindy Mollerpenny presented the request, which aims to annex contiguous properties into the district. Mike Mueller, president of the road district, spoke about the need for the annexation and requested that the board consider bypassing the election process due to the small scale of the issue and the support from neighboring property owners. However, the commissioners debated the necessity of holding an election, with some suggesting that they should consult the state's attorney for clarification on the legal requirements. Ultimately, the decision to table the discussion was made, allowing time for further investigation into the annexation process.

Additionally, the board approved a new retail license for Mountain View Lodge and Cabins, furthering local business development. The meeting concluded with a presentation from Sheriff Brian Mueller, who highlighted the community's support for law enforcement through the distribution of "Thank You" signs, emphasizing the ongoing appreciation for local police efforts.

Overall, the meeting addressed significant community concerns, including housing representation and local governance, while fostering a spirit of collaboration among county officials and residents. The next steps will involve further discussions on the annexation request and continued support for local initiatives.