Hand County approves Secure SD website application, SDSU 4‑H MOU and several personnel items

Hand County commissioners approved administrative and personnel items including a website-security funding application and several staffing and contract actions.

Speaker 4 presented a proposal to migrate the county website to a .gov domain under the Secure SD program, citing security concerns with the current site hosted on a .org domain. The presented vendor quote from Factor360 showed a one‑time setup cost of $2,400 and an annual subscription of $360. Commissioners provisionally approved submitting the Secure SD application and vendor proposal for funding consideration.

The board approved an SDSU 4‑H memorandum of understanding and collectively approved multiple housing agreements as consent items. Speaker 3 asked that court‑appointed attorneys be encouraged to hold some hearings via Zoom to reduce mileage costs, and commissioners noted ongoing discussion with the courts on that subject.

On personnel matters the commission accepted the resignation of Steven Davis, who left to take DOT employment, and approved the motion. The board also approved a $0.75 hourly wage increase for Deputy James Waldrop (raising the rate from $20.91 to $21.66) after confirming six‑month post‑certification eligibility. Separately, the county accepted the retirement notice of Terry Miller and authorized advertising for the 18‑hours‑per‑week replacement role.

Facility items included an urgent equipment purchase for two basement door closures after New England Door Enclosure reported limited remaining stock; the vendor estimate was close to $600 and exceeded an existing spending limit, requiring board approval. The board approved the reported actions and directed staff to proceed with recruitment and procurement as authorized.