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County buys new semi tractor, approves personnel moves and payments; treasurer to close at 4 p.m. through May 1
Summary
The commission approved purchase of a new semi tractor for the highway department, authorized several personnel actions including hiring a maintenance tech and promoting a payroll specialist, approved claims including $23,050 to a 4‑H educator and $16,242 to a timekeeping vendor, and approved shorter treasurer office hours through May 1.
Codington County commissioners on April 1 approved the budgeted purchase of a new semi tractor for the highway department, approved multiple personnel and payroll actions, and authorized payment of several claims, while also approving a temporary adjustment to daily treasurer office hours.
Highway equipment: Highway Superintendent Randy Falvey presented a request to purchase a new semi tractor from a Sioux Falls vendor (iState) on Sourcewell bid at a discount. The base price for the tractor was reported at $146,794; adding required accessories (hydraulic pump and headache rack) would raise the total to $160,163. Commissioner Gable moved to approve the purchase; Commissioner Schwier seconded, and the motion passed on a voice vote. Falvey said the purchase is budgeted and that the 2002 model being replaced will be surplused and sold.
Personnel actions: The board approved hiring to fill a full‑time Highway Maintenance Tech II vacancy caused by a retirement; the hire is expected to start mid‑April. Commissioners approved a personnel promotion in the auditor/payroll office: an administrative staff member (Morgan Cunningham) will move into the payroll specialist role with a reported new rate of $25.80 per hour and a monthly amount discussed by staff. The promotion motion passed on a voice vote.
Claims and payments: Commissioners approved salary claims (vote recorded; total as read in the meeting was not clearly audible in the transcript). They also approved payment of two other claims discussed on the record: $23,050 for a 4‑H educator and $16,242 for the county’s timekeeping system vendor (an invoice the vendor requested before final completion). Commissioners took both payments together and approved them by voice vote.
Treasurer hours and surplus property: The board approved a motion to close the treasurer’s office to public daily operations at 4 p.m. through May 1 to allow staff time to implement a new software system. Commissioners also approved declaring assorted office equipment (computers and a refrigerator listed in the packet) surplus to be destroyed by the sheriff’s office.
Other administrative actions: Travel requests for Weed and Pest and Community Services staff were approved. Commissioners noted a public meeting schedule and that an executive session for personnel was convened at the end of the meeting; the board said no action would be taken following the executive session.
Why it matters: The tractor purchase replaces a 2002 model and is a budgeted capital expense for county roads operations; personnel and payroll changes affect county operations and staffing. The temporary change to treasurer office hours was explained as necessary to allow staff to complete a large software conversion.
What’s next: Highway staff will surplus the older truck and proceed with delivery and equipment installation. Staff will post and fill personnel vacancies and complete the treasurer’s software conversion during the restricted hours.
