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Deuel County adopts ordinance B2022-01-11 after Otter Tail Power objects
Summary
The Deuel County Board of Commissioners approved zoning ordinance B2022-01-11 at its April 21 meeting despite formal opposition from Otter Tail Power and public concerns about routing and regulatory differences between South Dakota and Minnesota.
The Deuel County Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 on April 21 to adopt ordinance B2022-01-11 after a second reading and public discussion.
Zoning Officer Jodi Theisen conducted the second reading. Kirk Phinney, representing Otter Tail Power, told the board the company is officially on record opposing B2022-01-11 and said routing choices reflect efforts to connect multiple generating plants to strengthen the transmission backbone; he noted the Big Stone plant has committed to operate through 2040. Several members of the public — including Steve January, Mary Nosbush and Sheila Monnier — raised concerns that Minnesota’s routing and regulatory framework could produce less impactful transmission routes.
Commissioner Scott Fieber moved to approve and adopt B2022-01-11; Chairman Jay Grabow seconded. The board took a roll-call vote: Homan — aye; Mewherter — aye; Fieber — aye; Rhody — aye; Grabow — aye.
Supporters of routing choices told the board that broader system reliability and interconnections between plants are factors in siting decisions. Opponents emphasized local land-use impacts and encouraged the county to consider alternative routing that might fall under Minnesota jurisdiction.
The ordinance was approved as presented. The zoning officer and county staff did not record additional amendments during the meeting. The ordinance takes effect according to county procedures for adopted zoning measures; the county auditor was instructed to record the action in the minutes.
Next steps: county staff will process the administrative steps required after adoption; public commenters were informed about routes and state-level processes but the board made no further ordinances or referrals at the meeting.
