Pennington County commissioners approve HR consolidation, campground permit and several land-use variances

The Pennington County Board of Commissioners met May 5 and approved a package of staffing, land-use and administrative measures the board’s leaders said are intended to improve county operations while addressing neighborhood and public-safety concerns.

The most consequential personnel decision was a 3–2 vote to consolidate county human-resources functions into a single HR office that will be led by an HR director, supported by an HR manager and four HR generalists. Commissioners said the change folds the sheriff’s HR staff into county HR, standardizes policies and seeks savings and more consistent service across departments. Commissioner Jerry Durer, who sponsored the plan, said the move followed months of meetings with HR staff and the sheriff’s office and is intended to eliminate inconsistent personnel practices.

The board also approved a separate motion to transfer the county’s communications/marketing manager position to the commission office.

Planning and zoning decisions dominated the meeting’s agenda. After extensive public testimony about traffic and trail safety, the board approved a conditional-use permit for Highline Horse & RV Campground (TK Ranch LLC). Planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval with 33 conditions; residents…