Codington County commissioners approve routine contracts, appointments, coroner pay and burial rates

Codington County commissioners on Jan. 14 approved several routine contracts, board appointments, compensation updates and annual rates during a meeting that also included a guest annual report from the First District Association of Local Governments.

Contract approvals: The board approved two contracts with the First District Association of Local Governments for county GIS services — a web/GIS hosting contract for $4,000 and a parcel‑update contract for $7,000 — in a single motion. Todd Kaye, director of the First District, presented the association’s annual report and described the district’s funding mix and services to member counties.

Licensing and events: Commissioners granted the Coddington (transcribed as “Coddington”) County Pro Pheasants permission to sell alcohol at the pro‑pheasant banquet Feb. 21 following a request from event organizer Nick Polotsky; the board said they have not seen problems at prior events.

Appointments: The board reappointed Mark O’Neil and Mel Reese to the county Planning and Zoning Board and appointed Liam Culhane to fill a vacancy left when Alex Conkey stepped down. The motion to appoint was passed by voice vote.

Coroner compensation and annual report: County Coroner Terry Sorensen presented his 2024 annual report. He said the office investigated 69 deaths in 2024, ordered nine autopsies (seven paid by the county), and handled 37 scene removals. The board approved raising the coroner’s per‑call compensation from $300 to $400; county staff said the change fits the 2025 budgeted amount for the coroner line item.

Indigent burial rates: Commissioners reviewed and kept indigent burial and cremation rates unchanged for 2025. The adopted amounts recorded on the public record were: traditional burial $3,952; cremation $2,575; cemetery opening/closing $565. County staff noted the burial budget ($45,000) was underspent in 2024.

Bridge inspections and planning contracts: The board approved a bridge inspection services resolution continuing the county’s relationship with Banner Associates for annual bridge inspections. The board also approved consultant agreements funded through a grant for county community services staff (Amanda Shea for CoddingtonConnects marketing and Kathy De Jong as an assistant under the Beyond Ideas grant).

Health and community partnerships: The board approved county participation as a partner with Community Health Workers South Dakota (CHW South Dakota) on a HRSA grant application; staff said the county’s role is coordination and meeting participation and that the grant could reimburse some staff time.

Claims and finance: Commissioners approved regular county claims and a state pass‑through; county staff reported county claims were presented and approved by the board.

Votes at a glance (selected items): - Approve First District GIS contract (web hosting $4,000; parcel updates $7,000): motion approved (voice vote). - Approve liquor permit for Pro Pheasants banquet, Feb. 21: motion approved (voice vote). - Appoint Mark O’Neil and Mel Reese to Planning & Zoning (3‑year reappointments); appoint Liam Culhane to fill vacancy: motion approved (voice vote). - Raise coroner per‑call pay to $400: motion approved (voice vote). - Adopt 2025 indigent burial rates — burial $3,952; cremation $2,575; opening/closing $565: motion approved (voice vote). - Approve bridge inspection resolution with Banner Associates: motion approved (voice vote).

Why it matters: Most actions were routine budget, personnel and contract approvals that keep county operations and partner services funded and staffed. The coroner pay change recognizes workload and keeps the coroner program aligned with the 2025 budget. The JJRI allocation (separately reported) directs state incentive funds to an existing diversion provider.

What’s next: Staff will implement contracts, update budget lines and publish required notices for Title VI and other statutory obligations.