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Pennington County launches public listening sessions as part of hours-of-operation study for administration building
Summary
County staff outlined a phased study and a schedule of community and employee listening sessions to consider changing hours of operation at the county administration building; commissioners asked for a concise public questionnaire and were told findings and recommendations will be presented in August or early September.
Pennington County human resources director Carol Bancroft briefed commissioners on the county’s study of administration building hours of operation and a schedule of community and employee outreach during the May 19 meeting.
Bancroft said the study is organized into five phases: planning and data collection (completed), analysis and engagement (May–July), recommendation development (July–August), communication and implementation planning (post-decision), and implementation during the fall move into the 900 Concourse building.
“We are now advancing as of this week into phase 2 which is analysis and engagement and that will be going through May through July,” Bancroft said. She outlined a schedule of public listening sessions: May 20 at the commission chambers, May 28 in Keystone, June 2 in Box Elder, June 9 in Wall, June 16 in Rapid City (Commission Chambers), June 18 in Hill City and June 24 in New Underwood.
Bancroft said the research team includes staff from buildings and grounds, the commission office, veteran services and human resources. The team is gathering usage data from county departments — including the treasurer’s office — and will compare the county’s patterns with other jurisdictions before presenting options to the board.
Commissioner Ron Rosknecht suggested simplifying the community survey card to focus on whether residents prefer a four-day or five-day schedule, and raised concerns about some questions that asked about weekend staffing. Bancroft said the outreach includes short survey cards at service counters and paid social media advertising and that the material and signage cost about $200. She said employee listening sessions have been candid and productive.
Commissioners asked how much staff time and county funds have been spent; Bancroft estimated a few hours per team member and said direct material costs were minimal. She said recommendations would be drafted for the board’s consideration at its Aug. 19 meeting or, if needed, the first September meeting.
Ending: The commission did not set hours at the meeting; staff will analyze gathered data, complete listening sessions through late June and return to the commissioners with options and recommendations in August or early September.
