Charles Mix County approves right-of-way resolution to allow Golden West fiber upgrades

The Charles Mix County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 19 approved Resolution 2026-03, allowing Golden West Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc., to enter county rights-of-way to upgrade portions of its network from copper wire to fiber-optic cable. Commissioner Nick Stotz moved to approve the resolution; Vice Chairman Kory Standy seconded and the board voted unanimously to carry the motion.

The resolution, attached to the minutes, records three Applications for Occupancy filed Feb. 12, 2026, and requires Golden West to restore the public right-of-way to a condition equal to or better than before work began. It also obligates Golden West to move or alter its facilities at its expense if required for roadway maintenance, comply with applicable safety statutes and traffic controls during construction, repair any damage to roadway areas caused by installation, and construct roadway and approach crossings as described in the applications. The company must indemnify Charles Mix County and its officers, agents, and employees for claims arising from its use of the right-of-way.

County officials did not set a construction schedule in the minutes; the applications include maps showing the county roadways affected but specific start dates and contract timelines are not specified. The board took no additional fiscal action tied to the resolution during the meeting.

The resolution was entered into the official minutes and signed by Chairman Colin Soukup and Auditor Jason Gant. The county record references the three occupancy applications and the legal terms the board approved.