At the meeting the Dickinson County commission handled a slate of routine but formally required actions and votes.

Budget amendment and public hearing: The commission opened a public hearing and heard Marcus Rothschild, assistant county administrator and finance director, explain that certain capital and communications purchases expected in 2024 had rolled into 2025. Rothschild described the amendment as an accounting formality that does not raise taxes. The commission voted to add $4,301,913 to the countywide communications sales tax fund and to add 3,056 to the parks and recreation fund to provide budget authority for expenditures that shifted into 2025.

Elected-official salaries: The board introduced and adopted Resolution 121825 to set elected officials' salaries for 2026; commissioners noted they voluntarily reduced their own salaries by 10% as part of cost-cutting measures. The motion carried by voice vote.

Contracts and agreements: Commissioners approved the indigent defense contract for 2026 (motion and second recorded), renewed the Sullivan Police Protection contract (the city requested 174 man-hours), and approved the consent and assignment of the Hams solid waste facility contract following a sale of the vendor to Allied Waste Systems, Inc. Staff reiterated that full contract documents are available upon request.

Appointments and resignations: The board accepted resignations (including township positions) and appointed Kelly Wilson as Grant Township trustee effective Jan. 1, 2026, and took other routine personnel actions. The board also named Commissioner Lynn Peterson to sign accounts payable and payroll during the holiday weeks when the commission will not meet.

Executive session: The commission recessed to executive session for a non-elected personnel annual evaluation of the county administrator and extended consideration of the county administrator employment contract until Jan. 15, 2026, to allow attorney review and contract finalization. The commission then adjourned.