Meade County Commission votes: weed‑spray joint powers, gravel bids, raffle, budget transfer and planning hearing set

Here are the formal actions the Meade County Commission took at its March 14 meeting and the immediate outcomes.

Joint powers agreement (weed spraying) - Action: Approved the annual joint powers agreement coordinating weed‑spray operations with the City of Sturgis and state highways within Meade County. The commission voted to approve the agreement. - Motion: Motion and second recorded; outcome approved.

Gravel crushing — notice to bidders - Action: Commission authorized starting the bid process for gravel crushing with a budgeted amount of $600,000 and set the bid opening for 10 a.m. April 22. - Motion: Motion and second recorded; outcome approved. - Funding note: Commission stated $600,000 was budgeted for gravel purchases this year.

Election agreement — Meade School District 40‑6‑1 - Action: Approved a cost‑sharing agreement for the county to provide tabulating services for the Meade 40‑6‑1 school election; agreement set a $100/hour charge for up to four employees, with availability of IT support if needed. - Motion: Motion and second recorded; outcome approved.

Raffle application — Help After Disaster Inc. - Action: Approved notice of intent for Help After Disaster Inc. to conduct a raffle during the Buffalo Chip motorcycle rally; the nonprofit provided proof of 501(c)(3) status and filed as a foreign nonprofit in South Dakota. - Motion: Motion and second recorded; outcome approved with one commissioner recorded in opposition (Commissioner Fried).

Surplus vehicle (2021 Dodge pickup) — sealed bids - Action: Commission declared a 2021 Dodge pickup surplus and instructed the auditor’s office to prepare a display ad and sealed‑bid process; the auditor will propose publication venues and bid opening dates for the next meeting. - Motion: Motion and second recorded to accept sealed bids reserving the right to reject any or all bids; outcome approved.

Budget supplement — modernization/preservation fund (Resolution 2025‑10) - Action: Approved a transfer of $75,000 from the modernization/preservation cash fund to complete the county’s Image Express project and pay a final invoice. The register of deeds presented the request and said funds are available in the modernization account. - Motion: Motion and second recorded to adopt Resolution 2025‑10; outcome approved.

Section line relocation hearing set - Action: Set a public hearing for a section‑line relocation for May 13 at 10:00 a.m.; planning staff had recommended additional time to collect drainage and other technical information. - Motion: Motion and second recorded; outcome approved.

Consent calendar and personnel action - Action: Commission approved the consent calendar as presented. - Executive session: The commission voted to go into executive session for personnel and contract matters and later returned and announced a part‑time HR hire.

Procedural notes: Several items were discussed at length before votes (including planning, treasurer system issues and a surplus vehicle process); staff were generally tasked to return with more detailed ads, timelines or documentation for future meetings.

Ending: Commissioners instructed staff to prepare follow‑up materials on several of the approved items for upcoming meetings and noted the auditor’s office will circulate proposed ad language and timelines for the surplus vehicle sealed‑bid sale.