Brown County commissioners met for their 2026 reorganization meeting and on voice votes elected Dwayne Sutton as chair and Mike Gage as vice chair, confirmed committee assignments largely unchanged from 2025, and approved a package of routine administrative policies and contracts.

The commission voted to maintain committee assignments for 2026 and approved a list of volunteer and board appointments after removing four named individuals from one volunteers list. Commissioners also named deputies for administrative offices and adopted interest and expense policies recommended in the packet.

The board agreed to align the county travel reimbursement schedule with federal guidance after staff reported the IRS mileage rate increased to $0.725 per mile effective Jan. 1. Commissioners voted to adopt the General Services Administration (GSA) table for per diem and travel reimbursement: the packet noted standard room rates rising to $1.10 with $1.40 in Spearfish and Deadwood and updated meal allowances consistent with the GSA table.

Commissioners approved a resolution continuing the county’s current process for tax deed notices, which directs staff (beginning with Patty) to coordinate with the state’s attorney to process notices. The commission also approved routine items including official county newspapers, fairgrounds rental rates, equalization fees, weed and pest fees, planning and zoning fees and permit resolutions, and the Richmond Youth Camp rental rate.

On intergovernmental matters, the commission authorized the chair to sign a 2026 county jail housing contract with Edmonds County to house Edmonds County inmates at $110 per night once the agreement is finalized. The commission also authorized the chair to sign the Local Emergency Management Performance Grant for 2026 and approved allowing the auditor to sign claim assignments from collection agencies.

The meeting included updates to county boards: for example, the Housing and Redevelopment Commission saw Carl Alberts named chair; Marty Salvo resigned after moving out of town and Jamie Gaff will complete Salvo’s term. Planning and zoning changes included moving Paul Johnson and adding Joel (who attended the meeting) to a board.

Pastor Mike Waldrop of Aldersgate Church led an invocation. "I just pray your spirit move among men and that we as churches would be people that love you and love them and minister and serve our communities well," he said.

The commission opened a public comment period and received no remarks. After approving the consent calendar (minutes, claims, HR and travel requests, and the landfill signage report) and completing the agenda, commissioners adjourned the meeting.

Votes at a glance
- Election of chair: Dwayne Sutton — motion carried (voice vote).
- Election of vice chair: Mike Gage — motion carried (voice vote).
- Maintain 2025 committee assignments — approved (voice vote).
- Adopt per diem/GSA travel rates and IRS mileage alignment (0.725/mile) — approved (voice vote).
- Adopt resolution for tax deed notices — approved (voice vote).
- Authorize 2026 inmate housing contract with Edmonds County ($110/night) — approved (voice vote).
- Authorize chair to sign Local Emergency Management Performance Grant — approved (voice vote).
- Authorize auditor to sign claim assignments — approved (voice vote).
- Adopt deputies for auditor, treasurer and register of deeds; interest and expense policies; election officials and vote centers for 2026; remittance-fees policy; multiple fee schedule updates — all approved (voice votes).

What’s next
The commission did not schedule further public hearings on these items during the meeting; staff will follow up on the Brown County Railroad Authority board status and finalize the Edmonds County housing agreement.