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Clark County commissioners terminate two employees after executive session
Summary
At a May 5 special meeting the Clark County Board of Commissioners entered executive session under SDCL 1-25-2(1) and unanimously voted to immediately terminate the employment of Robert Koistinen and John Birnell for alleged violations of county personnel policies; no further details were recorded in the minutes.
The Clark County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously May 5 to terminate the employment of two county employees following an executive session called under state law. Commissioner David Spieker moved, and Commissioner Chris Sass seconded, to terminate the employment of Robert Koistinen “effective immediately, as violation of County personnel policies, standards and conduct.” The motion carried with all members voting aye.
Commissioner Terry Schlagel then moved, and Commissioner Francis Hass seconded, to terminate the employment of John Birnell “effective immediately as violation of County personnel policies, standards and conduct.” That motion also carried with all voting aye. The minutes record the board entered executive session at 7:02 a.m. under SDCL 1-25-2(1) and reconvened at 9:30 a.m.; the chairman declared the board out of executive session at 9:32 a.m.
The minutes do not specify the particular personnel policy violations alleged, nor do they include statements from staff, the terminated employees, or details about any investigative process. The meeting packet and published minutes list only the motions, the movers and seconders, and the unanimous votes. The board adjourned at 9:36 a.m.; the next regular meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.
