The Oldridge City Council on Jan. 14 handled a slate of routine municipal matters, approving payments, personnel actions, licenses and annual housekeeping measures.

Water and contracts: Council approved pay request No. 10 for Preload of $20,655 for backfill and restoration work at the new million-gallon concrete water storage tank near the golf course and also approved change order No. 3 to Preload LLC for additional electrical conduit and wiring in the amount of $2,860. Department staff said electrical work and touch-up remain but expected the project to wrap up soon.

Personnel and public safety: The council approved the 2026 roster and officers for the Oldridge Fire Department, listing Fire Chief Colton Hunter, Assistant Chief Ryan Rees and Secretary-Treasurer Justin Sadler. The council approved hiring police officer Keith Stetzer at $25.10 per hour with a Feb. 2 start date and approved a pay-level increase for dispatcher Cindy Rishi from $27.15 to $27.47 per hour.

Licenses and events: In a public hearing the council approved transfer of a package liquor license from Bruce Reinert (the transcript shows an alternate spelling "Reinhardt") to Circle K. The council also approved two temporary liquor licenses for the Mobridge Rodeo (Mobridge Rodeo Gala, Feb. 21, and a Mobridge Rodeo wedding, Apr. 11). The council approved a short-term rental license for River Rest Lodge, 813 3rd Avenue East, after staff said the applicant met requirements.

Annual housekeeping: Council adopted Resolution 26-01 (salary resolution) approving 2026 employee salaries; designated the Mortgage Tribune as the official newspaper for 2026; authorized electronic and early payments for 2026; and approved official depositories for the year (Dakota Bank, First Interstate Bank, Dakota Community Bank, South Dakota Public Funds Investment Trust). A single cemetery deed transfer included in the packet was approved.

Finance: Staff presented the monthly financial report and a 2025 building-permits summary; highlights included six permits in the current month, approximately $850,000 in total home value and commercial permit work just north of $1.5 million.

All motions for the items above were moved, seconded and carried in roll-call votes as recorded during the meeting.

Next steps: Staff will complete remaining construction touch-ups on the water tank, finalize hiring start dates and proceed with the depository and payments setup as approved by the council.