Crawford council approves five resolutions to place delinquent utility charges on property tax rolls

At a regular meeting April 28 at the Crawford Library, the Crawford City Council voted unanimously to adopt five resolutions allowing delinquent water and sewer rental and use charges to be assessed against specified properties as special assessments on the real estate.

The action, taken without extended debate, covered properties in multiple blocks and additions; motions were moved and seconded by council members and carried on unanimous votes. Council Member Christopher Dean moved to adopt Resolution 2026-11 (BLOCK: 9 LOT: 27 & 28, OT), seconded by Council Member Brian Frahm; the motion carried with Dean, Frahm and Council Member Dianne Gaston voting AYE. Resolution 2026-12 (BLOCK: 21 LOT: 1-6, PADDOCKS) was moved by Frahm and seconded by Dean and adopted unanimously. Resolution 2026-13 (BLOCK: 12 LOT: 7-8, PADDOCKS) was moved by Gaston, seconded by Dean and adopted unanimously. Resolution 2026-14 (BLOCK: 2 LOT: 13, OT) was moved by Dean, seconded by Gaston and adopted unanimously. Resolution 2026-15 (BLOCK: 15 LOT: 9, PTC 1ST) was moved by Frahm, seconded by Dean and adopted unanimously.

Why it matters: placing delinquent utility charges on the tax rolls as special assessments is a legal mechanism local governments use to recover unpaid service charges by creating a lien-like obligation attached to the property; the council's actions authorize staff to proceed with that administrative process for the listed parcels.

Also on the consent agenda, the council approved the April 14 regular and special meeting minutes and authorized a deed for cemetery space (Block L, Lot 1 and space 2) for Sue Harkins after a motion by Council Member Christopher Dean and second by Council Member Dianne Gaston. No members of the public spoke during the three-minute public comment period.

During departmental reports, Council Member Dianne Gaston said the local hospital is undergoing a routine Medicaid fraud audit, is recruiting for a radiology position, and has had interim and traveling technicians supporting the lab while it seeks a permanent medical technician. Gaston also referenced coverage in the Rapid City Journal about the dialysis department's closure and said the federal "Big Beautiful Bill" included $22 million intended to incentivize clinicians to move to rural areas for doctor and nurse positions. Council President Christopher Dean reported the golf board is meeting next week and is seeking a board member; Dean also said SWANN is preparing its July 1 budget, drug testing has shifted to Gordon because of lab issues at Chadron Hospital, and warned that continued misuse of the green dumpster (designated for grass and leaves only) could result in its removal. Council Member Brian Frahm reported the Villa audit is being completed.

The council approved bills and claims, requisition orders and transfers on a motion by Council Member Brian Frahm, seconded by Council Member Christopher Dean; the itemized claims recorded in the minutes total $145,209.34. Council Member Christopher Dean moved to adjourn, Council Member Dianne Gaston seconded, and the meeting concluded at 6:20 p.m.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 2026-11 — adopted (moved Dean; second Frahm; AYE: Dean, Frahm, Gaston). Resolution 2026-12 — adopted (moved Frahm; second Dean; AYE: Gaston, Dean, Frahm). Resolution 2026-13 — adopted (moved Gaston; second Dean; AYE: Gaston, Dean, Frahm). Resolution 2026-14 — adopted (moved Dean; second Gaston; AYE: Dean, Gaston, Frahm). Resolution 2026-15 — adopted (moved Frahm; second Dean; AYE: Frahm, Dean, Gaston).

Next steps: the minutes were prepared by City Clerk Teri Miller and approved by Mayor April Grant; the minutes record the council's directives to staff and authorize administrative follow-through on the adopted resolutions.