Pennington County to overhaul bylaws and code of conduct; commissioners asked for input
Summary
Commission staff proposed major revisions to the board's bylaws and code of conduct to remove duplicative statutory text, reduce chair-centric authority, and streamline procedures; commissioners asked for written comments by Jan. 26 and indicated a multi-step public review before adoption.
Pennington County commission staff presented proposed, substantial edits to the board's bylaws/rules of procedure and its code of conduct during the Jan. 6 meeting and recommended a multi-step review process.
Jordan Ebb, commission manager, said the current documents (last formally approved in 2024 and with code-of-conduct language dating to 2014) mix statutory material, procedural rules, ethical standards and governance guidance in ways that create duplication and potential statutory conflicts. Jordan proposed trimming the documents to essential procedural rules, moving statutory detail to reference materials, and reducing concentrated chair authority so the board as a body retains decision-making power.
Commissioners debated the need for fair investigation triggers for code-of-conduct complaints and the role of the county state's attorney's office, including concerns about impartiality and resource use. Multiple commissioners urged a balance between protecting officials from frivolous complaints and ensuring impartial investigations when warranted. Jordan asked commissioners to send written comments by Jan. 26 and said formal approval would likely occur after at least one additional public meeting (February timeframe anticipated).
The board did not adopt changes at the Jan. 6 meeting but set a timeline for input and further review, asking staff to redline proposed changes and bring a revised draft for public discussion before any vote.
