Lawrence County public meetings in 2025
43 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
The Lawrence County Commission and Board of Adjustment will review a set of documents, including personnel files, a 2026 State Health Nurse Agreement, and a Treasurer delinquent property tax sale report. They will also consider a resolution to vacate a section line and several plat maps for land development. No specific decisions are detailed beyond the items listed for discussion.
- Resolution 2025‑38 Section Line Vacation
- Highway Business documents
- Spearfish WorDeman Plat
- Spearfish Vorhees Sub Plat
- Treasurer Delinquent Property Tax Sale Report
The Lawrence County Commissioners unanimously approved the lowest responsible bid of $954,418.70 from Western Construction, Inc. for the 2026 paving project on Nemo Road. They also adopted Resolution #2025-38 to vacate a portion of a highway section line and reassigned $40,000 to the Emergency Management fund. Multiple step‑raise personnel actions and vehicle purchases were approved.
- Approved step raise for Kyle Anderson, IS&T Specialist G3 at $34.48/hr effective Dec 28 2025 (unanimous)
- Approved step raise for Amie Miller, Planning & Zoning Assistant Technician G3 at $28.66/hr effective Dec 28 2025 (unanimous)
- Approved step raise for Jessica Lord, CE 3 G2 at $26.96/hr effective Dec 28 2025 (unanimous)
- Accepted Juneks bid for three 2026 Dodge Durango Pursuit AWD SUVs, net $134,000 after trade‑in (unanimous)
- Accepted Juneks bid for one 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer at $65,000 (unanimous)
- Adopted Resolution #2025-38 to vacate a portion of a highway section line (unanimous)
- Reassigned $40,000 from Road & Bridge to Emergency Management and transferred $40,000 from General fund to Emergency Management (unanimous)
- Approved lowest bid of $954,418.70 from Western Construction, Inc. for 2026 paving on Nemo Road (unanimous)
Invasive Species Management
The Invasive Species Management Board will call the meeting to order, approve the agenda and prior minutes, and conduct a review of the 2025 budget. New business includes discussion of the Planning & Zoning Board, subdivision and private property inspections, and a surplus property list. The agenda also provides time for public comments and board member reports, though no formal actions will be taken on those items.
- Approve agenda
- Approve prior meeting minutes
- Review 2025 budget
- Discuss Planning & Zoning Board matters
- Discuss subdivision and private property inspections
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
The County Commissioner and Board of Adjustment will meet to discuss several tax abatement requests and personnel updates. The body will also review the auditor's account and a resolution regarding a section line vacation.
- Tax abatement requests for DWD Hist Pres, Meza, and Wells
- Phone stipend for SA OFC
- Request for donated sick leave for Treasurer office
- Vacation of Section Line Resolution 2025 37
- Personnel matters for the Sheriff
The board approved Lawrence County Resolution #2025-37 to vacate a portion of a highway located on a section line. They also authorized the purchase of one motor grader, valued at approximately $179,205, from the 2025 budget. Several personnel actions were approved, including classification changes, new hires, a cell‑phone per diem, and tax abatements. All motions passed unanimously.
- Approved Resolution #2025-37 to vacate highway portion (unanimous)
- Authorized purchase of one motor grader (~$179,205) from 2025 budget (unanimous)
- Approved classification change for Troy Thompson, part‑time Correctional Officer ($33.33/hr) (unanimous)
- Approved classification change for Larry Ford Jr., full‑time Correctional Sergeant ($27.41/hr) (unanimous)
- Approved new hire Savanna Pickett‑Kitzmiller, part‑time Dispatcher I ($24.08/hr) (unanimous)
- Approved new hire Lamar Anderson, full‑time temporary Correctional Officer II ($26.61/hr) (unanimous)
- Approved $50 per month cell‑phone per diem for Andrea Hansen (unanimous)
- Approved tax abatement for Jorge Mesa parcel #24000-00702-324-50 (unanimous)
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
The agenda provides a quorum notice that a majority of Lawrence County Commissioners may attend the Lions Club meetings held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month. A social hour begins at 5:00 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:00 p.m. The meeting location is Lucky’s 13 Pub, 305 N. 27th Street, Spearfish, SD. No official business will be discussed and no official action will be taken.
- Quorum notice for Lions Club meetings (2nd & 4th Monday monthly)
- Social hour begins at 5:00 p.m.
- Meeting location: Lucky’s 13 Pub, 305 N. 27th Street, Spearfish, SD
- No official business or action will be taken
Planning & Zoning Board
The Lawrence County Planning & Zoning Board will meet to review preliminary and final plat applications for various subdivisions, including Deer Mountain Village and Shirttail Gulch. The board will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and set the date for the next session.
- Review 11 subdivision plat applications (Deer Mountain Village, Shirttail Gulch, etc.)
- Approve minutes from November 6, 2025 meeting
- Set next meeting date for January 8, 2026
- Public comment period available for residents
- Meetings held at Lawrence County Annex Building, 90 Sherman St, Deadwood
The board approved a series of preliminary and final plats for multiple developments. The Casa Keating LLC plat was approved as exempt and the preliminary and final plat was approved with several conditions, including pending engineering estimates and agreements. Final plats for KR Deer Mountain Club, Pete Lien & Sons, Mountain View Ranches, and Kissack Water & Oil Service were also approved. All motions were carried, with one vote recorded as 6‑1.
- Approved Casa Keating LLC plat as exempt (motion carried)
- Approved Casa Keating LLC preliminary and final plat with conditions (motion carried)
- Approved KR Deer Mountain Club final plat (2025-90) (motion carried)
- Approved KR Deer Mountain Club final plat (2025-91) (motion carried)
- Approved KR Deer Mountain Club preliminary and final plat (2025-92) (motion carried)
- Approved Pete Lien & Sons Inc preliminary and final plat (motion carried, vote 6‑1)
- Approved Mountain View Ranches LLC final plat (motion carried)
- Approved Kissack Water & Oil Service LLC preliminary and final plat (motion carried)
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners and Board of Adjustment will meet to discuss a supplemental budget, a request for state aid for a VSO salary, and a sheriff cell phone stipend. The agenda also includes a proposed lease for Spearfish shopsites and annexation resolutions for the DMSD Sanitary District.
- Supplemental budget resolution
- State aid request for VSO salary
- Sheriff cell phone stipend
- Spearfish shopsite lease
- Sanitary District annexation resolutions
The board approved a supplemental budget (Resolution #2025-34) that provides $5,000 for the treasurer salary, $80,000 for insurance and bonds, $4,100 for the veteran service officer salary, $7,900 for veteran officer insurance, $14,000 for the coroner salary, $1,000 for coroner OASI, and $22,000 for mental‑health services. They also approved several personnel hires, accepted a $61,387 bid for a coroner transport vehicle, and authorized the county to submit a Bridge Improvement Grant application for Structure #41-249-268. All motions passed unanimously.
- Approved new part‑time Correctional Officer I hire (Kelly Clark) at $24.08/hr
- Approved new part‑time Dispatcher I hire (Kelly Clark) at $24.08/hr
- Approved full‑time Dispatcher I hire (Jessica Clarke) at $24.08/hr
- Approved full‑time Information Systems & Technology Specialist (Shawnee Lafferty) at $30.59/hr
- Accepted $61,387 bid from White’s Queen City Motors for a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe coroner vehicle
- Adopted Supplemental Budget Resolution #2025-34 allocating $149,000 across several county funds
- Approved private approach permit for Tom Ventsam on the right side of Galena Road
- Authorized submission of Bridge Improvement Grant application for Structure #41-249-268 with a 20% county match
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
The Lawrence County Commission will consider several contract and agreement items, including ambulance service agreements and a Butler-Lawrence Fair Board agreement. They will also review liquor license renewals, a resolution concerning a vacation portion of a section line, and highway business. Additional agenda items include minutes from the October 28 meeting, personnel matters, a county health nurse report, and audit reports.
- Ambulance agreements
- Butler-Lawrence Fair Board agreement
- Liquor license renewals
- Resolution 2025‑33 vacation portion of section line
- Highway business
The board unanimously adopted Resolution #2025-33 to vacate a portion of a highway near Highway 14. They also approved the purchase of a Lynx Security System for the Public Safety & Services Center and renewed 2026 liquor licenses for multiple establishments. Additional actions included approving the 2026 commissioners’ meeting schedule (4‑1), a travel request for a land‑use workshop (4‑1), several sheriff’s personnel classification changes, ambulance agreements, and a raffle request.
- Approved Resolution #2025-33 to vacate a portion of a highway (unanimous)
- Approved purchase of Lynx Security System for Public Safety & Services Center (unanimous)
- Approved renewal of 2026 liquor licenses for multiple establishments (unanimous)
- Approved 2026 County Commissioners meeting schedule (4-1 vote)
- Approved travel request for Mitchell Iverson to attend Land Use Planning workshop (4-1 vote)
- Approved classification changes and step raises for sheriff’s office personnel (unanimous)
- Approved ambulance agreements with Spearfish and Monument Health Lead-Deadwood Hospital (unanimous)
- Approved raffle request for Spearfish American Legion Riders Post 164 (unanimous)
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
A quorum of Lawrence County Commissioners may attend Lions Club meetings held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. Social hour begins at 5:00 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:00 p.m. at Lucky’s 13 Pub, 305 N. 27th Street, Spearfish, SD. No official business will be discussed or acted upon at this time.
- Quorum notice for Commissioners to attend Lions Club meetings (2nd & 4th Mondays) at Lucky’s 13 Pub, 305 N. 27th St., Spearfish
Planning & Zoning Board
The Lawrence County Planning & Zoning Board will consider several public hearings and plat applications. Items include a subdivision request (COZ 372) for 8‑10‑acre lots with an A‑2 zoning designation, a CUP grandfathered amendment for a boundary change east of Highway 85, and multiple preliminary and final plats for new residential lots and lot adjustments. The board will also approve the minutes from the October 2, 2025 meeting, adopt the agenda, and set the 2026 meeting calendar.
- Public hearing COZ 372 – subdivision of 8‑10‑acre lots, A‑2 zoning, St. Onge Road (approval/denial)
- Public hearing CUP Grandfathered Amendment – boundary change for Centennial Quarry/Mountain View Estates, A‑1 zoning, east of Hwy 85 (approval/denial)
- Preliminary/Final plat 2025‑78 – subdividing Lots 7A‑7C, Heritage Hills Estates, fire plan in place, A‑2 zoning (discussion/approval/denial)
- Preliminary plat 2025‑79 – combining Lot 28R, Spruce Mountain Estates, fire plan exempt, PF zoning (exempt/approval/denial)
- Final plat 2025‑82 – new residential lots, Paradise Acres IV, fire plan in place, PF zoning (approval/denial)
The Planning & Zoning Board appointed an interim secretary and approved the meeting minutes, agenda, and 2026 meeting dates. It approved a change of zoning for COZ #372 from A‑1 to A‑2 with a 4‑aye, 2‑nay vote. The board also approved a CUP amendment for a quarry boundary and multiple subdivision plats.
- Appointed TJ Ewing as interim Secretary (motion carried)
- Approved October 2, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
- Approved the meeting agenda (motion carried)
- Approved 2026 Planning and Zoning meeting dates (motion carried)
- Approved COZ #372 change of zoning to A‑2 (4 aye, 2 nay)
- Approved CUP amendment to quarry boundary (motion carried)
- Approved Layout Plat 2025‑78 for Kissack Water & Oil Service LLC (motion carried)
- Approved Final Plat 2025‑82 for Maitland Partners LLC (motion carried)
Fair Board
The Butte/Lawrence County Fair Board is meeting to review general business and old projects. The board will discuss or take action on several facility maintenance items and fair book updates.
- Pavillion siding and doors bid
- Rock removal
- Hog bard
- Award bundle
- Fair book changes and advertisement due dates
The board approved the October 2025 meeting minutes and accepted the treasurer's report. A motion passed to keep ad sales restricted to fair board members. The board also tabled the livestock changes and adjourned the meeting.
- Approved October 2025 minutes (carried)
- Accepted treasurer's report (carried)
- Kept ad sales limited to fair board members (carried)
- Tabled livestock changes (carried)
- Adjourned meeting (carried)
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
The County Commissioner and Board of Adjustment will meet to discuss personnel matters and highway business. The agenda includes a review of the proposed 2026 meeting schedule and previous meeting minutes.
- Proposed 2026 County Commission meeting schedule
- Personnel matters regarding Emergency Management
- Personnel matters regarding the Sheriff
- Personnel matters regarding the Deputy Sheriff
- Highway business
The board approved several personnel changes, including a full‑time correctional officer classification change and three new hires. They moved the January 6, 2026 meeting to January 13, 2026 (3‑2 vote) and shifted the July 14, 2026 budget workshop to June 23, 2026. A utility permit for Qwest Corp. fiber‑cable work and three commercial‑approach permits for Security Storage & Properties were ratified, and the Highway Superintendent was authorized to sign as Highway Authority on a subdivision plat (4‑1 vote). A motion to withhold building permits until a Letter of Credit is received failed, while a motion allowing a drone flight over the courthouse passed (3‑2 vote).
- Approved classification change for Alexis Richards and new hires of Daniel Johnson, Alexandra Kolski, Stone L. Terhune (unanimous)
- Moved Jan 6, 2026 meeting to Jan 13, 2026 (3‑2)
- Moved budget workshop from July 14 to June 23, 2026 (unanimous)
- Approved utility permit for Qwest Corp. (CenturyLink/Lumen) fiber‑cable installation (unanimous)
- Approved three commercial‑approach permits for Security Storage & Properties (unanimous)
- Authorized Highway Superintendent John Bey to sign as Highway Authority on Otis Subdivision plat (4‑1)
- Motion to withhold building permits until Letter of Credit received failed (1‑4)
- Approved drone flight over Lawrence County Courthouse (3‑2)
Invasive Species Management
The Lawrence County Invasive Species Management Board will convene to review the 2025 budget and discuss renewing locally declared invasive species. The meeting will also include public comments and board member reports.
- Review 2025 budget
- Discuss locally declared invasive species renewal
- Public comments on weed and pest control policies
- Doug Pavel to discuss Chicory
- Board member reports and committee updates
The board approved the meeting agenda and minutes unanimously. It approved a motion to develop a surplus list. It also approved renewing the local declarations of Common Mullein and Spotted Knapweed for a five‑year period. The meeting was then adjourned.
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimously)
- Approved minutes as presented (unanimously)
- Approved motion to develop a surplus list (unanimously)
- Renewed Common Mullein and Spotted Knapweed as locally declared for five years (unanimously)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimously)
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
The County Commission and Board of Adjustment will review the proposed meeting agenda and the 2026 commission meeting schedule. Items on the agenda include a petition to vacate a section line, highway business agenda items and a request for an extension, a five‑year highway and bridge improvement plan, and the auditors’ account with the treasurer. The commission will also consider personnel matters for the sheriff and an abatement document.
- Petition to vacate section line
- Highway business agenda items and extension request
- 5‑year highway and bridge improvement plan
- Auditors' account with treasurer
- Personnel sheriff document
The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to vacate a portion of a highway (Resolution #2025-32). They also approved several personnel actions, a $72,750 automatic supplement to the Teen Court budget, an abatement for a property tax error, a designation of county pool parking, a 45‑day extension for a metal‑maintenance building, and a change order reducing the Nemo Road contract. All motions passed by unanimous vote.
- Approved new hire Jordan Goldhammer as full‑time Correctional Officer I at $24.08/hr (unanimous)
- Approved classification change for Joseph Kuper to full‑time Correctional Officer I at $24.08/hr (unanimous)
- Approved automatic supplement of $72,750 to the Courts‑Teen Court budget (unanimous)
- Approved abatement for James E. Baker on parcel #32320-00100-004-001 (unanimous)
- Designated 10 south‑ramp parking spaces as county pool parking only (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution #2025-32 to vacate a portion of a highway (unanimous)
- Approved 45‑day extension for the Public Safety & Services Center Metal Maintenance Building to Dec 15 2025 (unanimous)
- Approved change order #1 reducing the Nemo Road contract to $990,047.74 (unanimous)
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
The document provides a notice that a quorum of Lawrence County Commissioners may attend Lions Club meetings. The notice states that no official business will be discussed and no official action will be taken during these meetings.
Fair Board
The Lawrence County Fair Board will hold a regular meeting to approve the agenda, approve the minutes from the previous meeting, receive the treasurer’s report, and hear brief public comments as required by state law. The board will also discuss several old‑business items, including screens and ramp, goat screens, 50‑amp plug‑ins, a wash rack, and a bid for pavilion siding and doors. No new business is scheduled. The meeting will adjourn after these items.
- Approve agenda
- Approve prior meeting minutes
- Treasurer’s report
- Public comments (limited to 3 minutes per person)
- Old‑business discussion: screens and ramp, goat screens, 50‑amp plug‑ins, wash rack, pavilion siding and doors bid
The board approved the September 2025 meeting minutes and accepted the treasurer’s report. Two items on screens, ramp, 50‑amp quote and goat screens/wash rack were tabled. The meeting was then adjourned.
- Approved September 2025 meeting minutes (motion by Ida Marie, seconded by Brandy) – carried
- Accepted Treasurer’s report (motion by Dennis, seconded by Chad E) – carried
- Tabled reports on screens, ramp, and 50 amp quote – tabled
- Tabled reports on goat screens and wash rack – tabled
- Adjourned meeting (motion by Chad E, seconded by Ida Marie) – carried
Planning & Zoning Board
The Planning & Zoning Board will first approve the September 4, 2025 meeting minutes and adopt the agenda. It will hold a public hearing to decide whether to add a Food Service Establishment as an allowed use in the HSC zoning district (ORD 25‑01). The board will also consider several zoning changes, subdivision proposals, and a series of plat approvals for various developments throughout the county.
- Public hearing – ORD 25‑01: Add Food Service Establishment as allowed use in HSC zone (approval/denial)
- Public hearing – COZ 369: RISE Properties request change from SRD to PUD zoning (approval/denial)
- Informational meeting – COZ 372: Isaac Almanza proposes subdivision of 8‑10 acre lots, changing A‑1 to A‑2 zoning (discussion)
- CUP Grandfathered Amendment – Mountain View Ranches: Boundary amendment for Centennial Quarry (discussion)
- 2025‑66 layout plan – KR Deer Mountain Club: Creation of new lots and lot line revisions (approval/denial)
The board approved ORD #25-01, adding food service establishments as an allowed use in HSC zoning. It also approved COZ #369, converting a SRD parcel to a PUD. The board approved several plat applications, including layout and final plats for Deer Mountain Club, a final plat for Landmark Casino, a corrective plat for Wild Flower Estates, and preliminary and final plats for 4 Bears in the Hills. All motions were carried.
- Approved addition of food service use to HSC (ORD #25-01)
- Approved COZ #369 converting SRD to PUD
- Approved Layout Plat for Deer Mountain Club (2025-66)
- Approved Final Plat for Deer Mountain Club (2025-67)
- Approved Final Plat for Landmark Casino (2025-69)
- Approved Corrective Plat for Wild Flower Estates (2025-70)
- Approved Preliminary and Final Plat for 4 Bears in the Hills (2025-71)
- Approved Final Plat for BH Properties (2025-75)
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
The County Commissioner and Board of Adjustment will meet to discuss the 2026 proposed budget and personnel matters. The body will also review a conditional use permit for Larsen Family, LLLP.
- 2026 proposed budget
- CUP 498 Larsen Family, LLLP
- Personnel requests for Treasurer and Sheriff
- January 2, 2026 payday approval
- Brownsville VFD raffle
The board unanimously adopted the 2026 annual budget (Resolution #2025-30). It also approved an emergency‑management supplement of $19,500, a $50,000 supplemental budget for the Impact and Economic Fund Severance Tax, and several utility and highway permits. Additional actions included personnel classifications, step raises, new hires, and contract amendments for the chip‑seal project.
- Adopted 2026 Annual Budget (Resolution #2025-30) – unanimous
- Approved $19,500 emergency‑management grant supplement – unanimous
- Adopted $50,000 supplemental budget for Impact and Economic Fund Severance Tax – unanimous
- Approved Celerity Internet utility permit on Kerwin Ln (bond $136,400) – unanimous
- Approved Celerity Internet utility permit on Lookout Mountain Rd (bond $136,400) – unanimous
- Amended 2025 Chip Seal contract: liquidated damages $500/day and extension to spring 2026 – unanimous
- Approved three approach permits for Bradley Limbo at 1955 Maitland Road – unanimous
- Approved personnel actions: classification change for Melissa Kruzel, step raises for Shanon Lupica, Rachel Baird, Megan Schmit, and new hires – unanimous
Fair Board
The Fair Board will meet to discuss general business, including the approval of the agenda and prior minutes. The board will also address old business items such as concession building screens and ramp repairs, and new business including the 2026 fair dates.
- Approval of agenda and prior meeting minutes
- Discussion on screens for concession building
- Discussion on ramp into pavilion
- Discussion on 2026 fair dates
- Discussion on Fair book and superintendent update
The board approved the September meeting minutes and accepted the treasurer’s report. It set the 2026 fair dates for July 27 through August 1 and decided to include a portable schedule pamphlet with the fair books. The board earmarked a $300 donation for a photo‑backdrop project. The meeting was then adjourned.
- Approved September meeting minutes (carried)
- Accepted treasurer’s report (carried)
- Set 2026 fair dates: July 27–August 1, 2026
- Decided to include portable schedule pamphlet with fair books
- Earmarked $300 donation for photo‑backdrop project (carried)
- Adjourned meeting (carried)
Planning & Zoning Board
The Lawrence County Planning & Zoning Board will convene to discuss and potentially decide on several subdivision and development projects, including the Ophir Subdivision and the Deadwood Gem, LLC development.
- Review of Deadwood Gem, LLC development proposal (DP 25-03)
- Review of Livingston, Carl development proposal (DP 25-04)
- Review of Greenview Est. subdivision lot 13A (SR 25-59)
- Review of Dakota Highland Est. subdivision lots 13 and 14 (SR 25-58)
- Review of Auburn Acres subdivision lot 11 (SR 25-64)
The Planning & Zoning Board approved the recommended storage‑unit developments DP #25-03 and DP #25-04. It denied VAR #217, a 4.94‑foot front‑setback variance for an existing covered patio. The board also approved several final and preliminary plats for residential and fire‑plan projects, and scheduled a public hearing for COZ #369. The next regular meeting is set for October 2, 2025.
- Approved DP #25-03 recommendation (motion carried)
- Approved DP #25-04 recommendation (motion carried)
- Denied VAR #217 4.94' front‑setback variance (motion fails; 2 Ayes, 5 Nays)
- Approved Final Plat 2025-58 for Kloss Development (motion carried)
- Approved 2025-59 preliminary and final plats as exempt (motions carried)
- Approved Final Plat 2025-64 for BH Properties (motion carried)
- Approved 2025-65 preliminary and final plats as exempt (motions carried)
- Scheduled public hearing for COZ #369 on October 2, 2025 (discussion/action taken)
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
The County Commission and Board of Adjustment will meet to discuss the 2026 proposed budget and long-term highway planning. The body will also review personnel matters for the Sheriff's office and highway department. Additional items include opioid settlement funds and mineral severance tax requests.
- 2026 Proposed Budget
- 5 Year Highway and Bridge Improvement Plan and 5 Year Regraveling Plan
- Highway 5 Year Equipment Plan
- Additional Opioid Settlement Funds
- PSSC Project Change Order 8
The commissioners unanimously approved step raises for three sheriff’s department employees and hired four new full‑time staff at the listed hourly rates. They denied an abatement for High Plains Construction on one parcel and approved abatement relief for several other parcels. They authorized the chairman to sign a $36,296 change order for the Public Safety & Services Center project and approved settlement participation forms for multiple opioid settlement agreements. They approved utility permits for Black Hills Energy and five Celerity Internet projects, requiring a $84,940 bond for each Celerity permit; the Black Hills Energy permit passed 4‑1.
- Approved step raise for Deputy Brent McNeil to $34.00/hr (unanimous)
- Approved step raise for Sergeant Marina Cleveland to $35.73/hr (unanimous)
- Approved step raise for Deputy Luke Kitzmiller to $34.00/hr (unanimous)
- Denied abatement for High Plains Construction on parcel #32213-00602-004-01 (2024 taxes) (unanimous)
- Approved abatement for High Plains Construction on six parcels for 2025 taxes payable in 2026 (unanimous)
- Authorized chairman to sign Change Order #8 adding $36,296 to contract (unanimous)
- Approved utility permit for Black Hills Energy on Gilt Edge Road (4-1)
- Approved utility permits for Celerity Internet on five routes, each with $84,940 bond (unanimous)
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
The Lawrence County Commissioners approved several actions, including a classification change for Caleb Wallinga, a $50 per month cell‑phone per diem for new Veteran Services Officer Kevin Bowen, and authorization of the 2026 Local Emergency Management Performance Grant. They also approved a contract with Wellmark for 2026 employee health insurance, a $3,305.62 automatic supplement to the sheriff travel budget, an $18,132 change order for the Public Safety & Service Center maintenance building, and an Avid4 Engineering agreement up to $8,500. Finally, they adopted Resolution #2025-29 to vacate a portion of a highway, voting 4‑1 in favor.
- Approved classification change for Caleb Wallinga to full‑time Correctional Officer I G1 at $24.08/hr (unanimous)
- Approved $50/month cell‑phone per diem for Kevin Bowen, Veteran Services Officer (unanimous)
- Authorized Chairman to sign the 2026 Local Emergency Management Performance Grant (unanimous)
- Authorized Chairman to sign Wellmark 2026 insurance contract, 100% county share (unanimous)
- Approved $3,305.62 automatic supplement to sheriff travel budget for van repair (unanimous)
- Accepted Change Order #1 for Public Safety & Service Center maintenance building, $18,132 (unanimous)
- Approved Avid4 Engineering agreement for water and sewer services, up to $8,500 (4-1)
- Adopted Resolution #2025-29 to vacate portion of highway section line (4-1)
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
The Board approved Resolution #2025‑28, authorizing up to six off‑sale and seven on‑sale liquor licenses for 2026 and listed the applicable renewal fees. It also approved step raises and classification changes for several correctional and medical staff, and authorized the signing of opioid settlement participation forms. Additionally, the commissioners adopted resolutions to vacate a portion of a highway and a portion of a plat, declared surplus equipment for disposal, and approved the liquor‑license fee schedule.
- Approved Resolution #2025‑28 authorizing up to six off‑sale and seven on‑sale liquor licenses (unanimous)
- Approved step raises for Olivia Burnett, Hunter Wood, Janell Gerberding, Jennifer Snider (unanimous)
- Approved classification changes for Jeremy Peters and Vanessa Adrain (unanimous)
- Approved National Opioid Settlement participation forms (unanimous)
- Declared three dispatch consoles and one paper shredder surplus for sale or exchange (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution #2025‑26 to vacate a portion of a highway (4‑1 vote)
- Approved Resolution #2025‑27 to vacate a portion of a plat (unanimous)
- Approved auditor’s account with Treasurer report (unanimous)
Planning & Zoning Board
The Lawrence County Planning & Zoning Board appointed TJ Ewing as interim secretary. The board approved the July 3, 2025 meeting minutes and approved the agenda for the August 7, 2025 meeting. No vote was recorded on the gravel‑pit conditional use permit; the discussion was left unresolved.
- Appointed TJ Ewing as interim Secretary (motion carried)
- Approved July 3, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
- Approved August 7, 2025 agenda (motion carried)
Fair Board
The Lawrence County Fair Board approved the July 2025 meeting minutes as read. They accepted the treasurer’s report. The board then adjourned the meeting.
- Approved July 2025 minutes (carried)
- Accepted treasurer’s report (carried)
- Adjourned meeting (carried)
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
The commissioners moved $75,000 that was originally allocated to Road & Bridge projects on July 28, 2020 into the Emergency Management fund and approved its use on July 22, 2025. They also transferred $75,000 from the General Fund to the Emergency Management fund. In addition, the board approved six Celerity Internet utility permits for right‑of‑way occupancy and amended the ambulance service budget for 2025.
- Approved hiring of Andrea Hansen as full‑time CE 2 G1 at $23.92/hr (unanimous)
- Approved hiring of Kevin Bowen as full‑time Veteran Service Officer G3 at $28.31/hr (unanimous)
- Approved abatement for Platinum Investments, LLC on parcel #25000-00704-141-00 (4‑1)
- Approved abatement for Platinum Investments, LLC on parcel #25000-00704-141-05 (4‑1)
- Approved abatement for Platinum Investments, LLC on parcel #25000-00704-141-10 (4‑1)
- Amended 2025 ambulance budget: $5,557.25 to Monument Health Lead‑Deadwood Hospital, $5,557.25 to Spearfish Ambulance, $664.50 to Sturgis Ambulance (unanimous)
- Reassigned $75,000 from 2020 Road & Bridge allocation to Emergency Management (unanimous)
- Approved six Celerity Internet utility permits for county right‑of‑way occupancy (unanimous)
Invasive Species Management
The Lawrence County Invasive Species Board noted quorum and approved the agenda as presented. The minutes of the previous meeting were also approved unanimously. The board reviewed the current budget and the 2026 proposed budget but took no further action. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous motion.
- Approved agenda (unanimous)
- Approved minutes (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
The commissioners authorized a $227,259 change order to increase the contract sum for the Public Safety & Services Center. They also approved a $5,453.42 supplement to the sheriff’s travel budget, adopted a $1,500 supplemental budget for emergency search and rescue, renewed a malt beverage license, and authorized a juvenile‑justice grant. Several zoning plats were acted on, with one denied and continued and others approved.
- Approved Change Order #7 adding $227,259.00 to Public Safety & Services Center contract (unanimous)
- Approved $5,453.42 automatic supplement to Sheriff travel budget (unanimous)
- Adopted Supplemental Budget allocating $1,500 to Emergency Management Search & Rescue (unanimous)
- Renewed 2025‑2026 Malt Beverage License for Wild Bill’s Campground and Resort LLC (unanimous)
- Authorized Chairman to sign Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Initiative grant and designate Teen Court (unanimous)
- Denied preliminary and final plat for Townsend; tie vote, matter continued to July 22 (Tie)
- Approved preliminary plat for Townsend after easement filed (3‑1 vote)
- Approved preliminary and final plat for Wilson (unanimous)
Fair Board
The Fair Board approved several routine items, including the June minutes and the treasurer's report. It increased Redwater's payment to $500, approved judges' lunch payments, and set gate opening at 7:30 a.m. on July 26. The board also decided there will be no pie sale and tabled a proposal to sell T‑shirts or stickers.
- Approved June 2025 minutes (carried)
- Accepted treasurer's report (carried)
- Increased Redwater payment to $500 (carried)
- Approved payment for Open Class livestock judges lunches (carried)
- Decided there will be no pie sale at the fair (carried)
- Set gate opening time to 7:30 a.m. Saturday, July 26 for campers (carried)
- T‑shirt/sticker sales proposal tabled
- Adjourned the meeting (carried)
Planning & Zoning Board
The Planning & Zoning Board approved the final plat for Kloss Development’s new residential lot in North Whitewood. It also approved both the preliminary and final plats for Townsend’s subdivision on Crook City Rd and for Wilson’s lot combination in Sugarloaf Village. A public hearing was scheduled for the gravel quarry CUP 498 application on August 7, 2025, and the next board meeting was set for August 7, 2025 at 1:30 PM.
- Approved Final Plat for Kloss Development (motion carried)
- Approved Preliminary Plat for Townsend (motion carried)
- Approved Final Plat for Townsend (motion carried)
- Approved Preliminary Plat for Wilson (motion carried)
- Approved Final Plat for Wilson (motion carried)
- Approved Preliminary Plat for BH Properties (motion carried)
- Approved Final Plat for BH Properties (motion carried)
- Set public hearing for CUP 498 gravel quarry on August 7, 2025 (motion carried)
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution establishing online meeting participation guidelines. It also approved several personnel step raises and new hires, transferred two liquor licenses to Chateau At Rim Rock, LLC, and authorized utility permits and bridge planning. Additional actions included declaring a surplus trailer for sale and adopting safety manual revisions.
- Adopted Resolution #2025-23 establishing online meeting participation guidelines (unanimous)
- Approved step raise for Deputy Troy Thompson to $32.04/hr (unanimous)
- Approved new hire of Correctional Officer Colt Gibbins at $26.61/hr (unanimous)
- Approved step raises for IS&T Specialists Colton Roszel and Lucas Brist to $32.00/hr (unanimous)
- Approved transfer of Class‑Retail Wine & Cider license to Chateau At Rim Rock, LLC (3‑1 vote)
- Approved two Celerity Internet utility permits with a $232,000 bond each (unanimous)
- Authorized Highway Superintendent John Bey to proceed with bid‑review‑ready plans for Bridge #41‑250‑268 (unanimous)
- Declared 2004 H&S Enclosed Trailer surplus for public sale (unanimous)
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
The Lawrence County Commissioners unanimously approved several personnel hires, utility and right‑of‑way permits, and a change of zoning for a subdivision. They also granted an abatement for a veteran property owner by a 4‑1 vote. All motions were carried.
- Approved full‑time hire of Rachel Baird as CE 1 G1 at $22.33/hr (effective June 19, 2025)
- Approved half‑time hire of Robert Mattson as Custodian/Maintenance II G3 at $24.21/hr (effective June 9, 2025)
- Approved abatement for Robert J. Brown on parcel #22650-00604-300-00 (vote 4‑1)
- Approved temporary right‑of‑way permit for Dakota Society of American Foresters fieldtrip on Sep 4, 2025
- Approved Celerity Internet utility permit on Brook View Road with $57,200.00 bond
- Approved Celerity Internet utility permit on Camp Comfort Road with $57,200.00 bond
- Approved Change of Zoning #367 for Barry Wood’s tract in Spearfish West
- Approved final plat for Winsell, Dennis & Dorothy on Elk Creek Road
Planning & Zoning Board
The Planning & Zoning Board approved Change of Zoning #368, converting the parcel to A‑2 zoning. It also approved and denied specific front‑setback variances for two applicants. In addition, the board approved several final plats for residential developments and a boundary plat. All motions were carried.
- Approved COZ #368 (change to A‑2 zoning) – vote 6‑1
- Approved VAR #215 for residence front‑setback variances (13.5’, 17.6’, 12.4’, 8’) – motion carried
- Denied VAR #215 for detached‑garage front‑setback variances (11.7’, 15.5’) – motion carried
- Approved VAR #216 for 2.8’ front‑corner variance – vote 6‑1
- Denied VAR #216 for 22.1’ garage front‑setback variance – vote 6‑1
- Approved Final Plat for Kloss Development, LLC (Lot 15, Dakota Highland Estates) – motion carried
- Approved Boundary Plat for KR Deer Mountain Club 2021 LLC – motion carried
- Approved Final Plat for Winsell, Dennis & Dorothy (Lot E, Spring Run Estates) – motion carried
Fair Board
The board approved the correction of sticker distribution, accepted the treasurer's report, and authorized purchases of blue ribbons and 4‑H ribbons. It also approved a $300 contract for restroom cleaning and set fair clean‑up days for July 19 and July 26. Discussion of judges' pay was tabled until the July meeting and the meeting was adjourned.
- Approved correction of stickers to go through Redwater (carried)
- Accepted Treasurer's report (carried)
- Approved order of 200 first‑place blue ribbons and $300 for 4‑H ribbons (carried)
- Approved Jessica to manage restroom cleaning, with $300 payment and a camping spot (carried)
- Approved fair clean‑up days on July 19 and July 26 and updated club cleaning list (carried)
- Tabled discussion of judges' pay until July meeting
- Approved minutes of May 2025 meeting (carried)
- Adjourned meeting (carried)
Public Defender Advisory Board
The Public Defender Advisory Board approved the minutes of the May 20, 2024 meeting. The board also approved the 2024 annual report presented by Director Amber Richey. Finally, the board approved allowing the proposed 2025 Public Defender budget to be presented to the County Commission. All motions were carried.
- Approved minutes of May 20, 2024 meeting (motion carried)
- Approved 2024 annual report (motion carried)
- Allowed 2025 budget proposal to be presented to County Commission (motion carried)
Invasive Species Management
The board approved the agenda and the minutes without opposition. A motion to adopt the 2026 proposed budget was passed unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous consent.
- Approved agenda (unanimous)
- Approved minutes (unanimous)
- Approved 2026 proposed budget (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
The commissioners unanimously approved numerous personnel step raises and new hires, a travel request for a planner conference, and two resolutions supporting a board candidacy and requesting forest funding. They also changed the June meeting date, and authorized contracts for professional services and a cloud subscription. Several alcohol beverage licenses and transfers were also approved.
- Approved step raise for Kimberly R Atkins to $26.68/hr (effective May 18, 2025)
- Approved new hire of Richard Reed as Custodian I at $20.21/hr (effective May 18, 2025)
- Approved travel request for Amber Vogt to attend 2025 Western Planner Conference
- Approved Resolution #2025-21 supporting Bruce Outka’s candidacy for SDPAA Board
- Approved Resolution #2025-22 requesting Black Hills Forest Service funding for invasive weed management
- Changed 2025 Commissioners meeting date to Monday, June 23
- Approved Professional Services Agreement with Boyce Harr
- Approved Command Cloud Subscription agreement with Codex Corp d/b/a Guardian RFID
Planning & Zoning Board
The Planning & Zoning Board approved COZ #367, changing the parcel to SRD/CLI zoning. It also approved four final plats and one preliminary plat, each with specific conditions such as fire‑plan mitigation or superintendent review. The board voted to keep Planning & Zoning meetings separate from County Commission meetings and recommended that the County Commissioners move forward with the Small Plan Update.
- Approved COZ #367 zoning change (motion carried)
- Approved KR Deer Mountain Club final plat with fire‑plan letter condition (motion carried)
- Approved Kissack Water & Oil Service LLC final plat (motion carried)
- Approved BH Properties LLC final plat (motion carried)
- Approved Kindzerski/Michael & Brewer preliminary plat with fire‑plan and superintendent conditions (motion carried)
- Motion to keep Planning & Zoning and County Commission meetings separate (motion carried)
- Recommendation to County Commissioners to proceed with Small Plan Update (motion carried; Jennings and Tysdal abstained)
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
The Board of Equalization unanimously changed the land value for parcel 18010-01800-040-00 owned by 11th Fairways Condominium Partners LLC from $165,000 to $0 as an administrative correction. It also approved the Salvation Army property (Parcel ID 32250-00200-010-15) as 85% tax‑exempt and the St. Onge VFD property (Parcel ID 28800-02000-030-00) as 100% tax‑exempt. Additional land‑value adjustments were made, including reducing Russell Dunavan’s parcel to $106,720 and setting BH Development LLC’s Lot 7 value to $2,220.
- Approved 85% tax‑exempt status for Salvation Army parcel 32250-00200-010-15 (unanimous)
- Approved 100% tax‑exempt status for St. Onge VFD parcel 28800-02000-030-00 (unanimous)
- Reduced Russell Dunavan land value to $106,720 (from $117,390) (unanimous)
- Reduced BH Development LLC Lot 26 land value to $145,040 (from $207,200) (unanimous)
- Reduced BH Development LLC Lot 7 land value to $2,220 (from $194,000) (unanimous)
- Changed land value for 11th Fairways Condominium parcel 18010-01800-040-00 to $0 (unanimous)
- Changed land value for 4 Bears in the Hills LLC parcel 18010-01300-030-00 to $0 (unanimous)
- Reduced structure value for Speidel Bonnie A parcel 20970-00015-009-00 to $48,720 (from $62,340) (unanimous)
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
The board accepted the lowest responsible bid from Halme, Inc. ($633,798.60) for the Maitland Road structure replacement, pending SD DOT approval. They adopted Resolution #2025-20 to vacate a portion of a highway section line. A utility permit for Celerity Internet to bore under Old Belle Road was approved with a required $80,000 bond. Personnel hires and classification changes were also approved, and one abatement was granted while another was denied.
- Accepted Halme, Inc. bid $633,798.60 for Maitland Road project (unanimous)
- Adopted Resolution #2025-20 to vacate a portion of a highway section line (unanimous)
- Approved utility permit for Celerity Internet to bore under Old Belle Road, adding $80,000 bond (unanimous)
- Approved new hire Jennifer Snider, Dispatcher I, $24.08/hr effective 4/21/2025 (unanimous)
- Approved new hire Olivia Burnett, Correctional Officer II, $25.55/hr effective 4/22/2025 (unanimous)
- Approved classification changes for Laurie Marshall, Megan Schmit, Carleen Brownlow to CE 4 G1 at $27.48/hr (unanimous)
- Approved abatement for Historic Homestake Opera House Society parcel #31090-02600-040-00 (unanimous)
- Denied abatement for Vallin J Richards parcel #32100-00603-172-27 (unanimous)
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
The commissioners approved a $150,000 bond for Central City and a $50,000 bond for St. Onge. They also approved the closure of Hill Street contingent on a jurisdiction agreement with the City of Spearfish. Additional actions included several personnel classification changes, a card‑access agreement, and approvals of multiple zoning plats.
- Approved Central City Town and Township Bond for $150,000 – Motion Carried
- Approved St. Onge Town and Township Bond for $50,000 – Motion Carried
- Approved Hill Street closure contingent on City of Spearfish agreement – Motion Carried
- Hill Street closure motion failed (Aye: Tysdal, Flanagan; Nay: Jennings, Sleep, Ewing)
- Approved classification change for Hunter Wood, Correctional Officer II G1 at $25.55/hr – Motion Carried
- Approved classification change for Daniel McNee, Correctional Officer II G3 at $26.61/hr – Motion Carried
- Approved Convergint Agreement for Card Access – Motion Carried
- Approved layout plan for Kindzerski & Brewer residential lots – Motion Carried
Fair Board
The Fair Board approved the March 2025 meeting minutes as read. They accepted the treasurer’s report. The board authorized the purchase of 50 chairs. They also approved spending up to $2,500 to rent inflatables for the fair.
- Approved March 2025 minutes (carried)
- Accepted treasurer’s report (carried)
- Purchased 50 chairs (carried)
- Approved up to $2,500 for inflatable rental (carried)
- Adjourned meeting (carried)
Planning & Zoning Board
The Planning & Zoning Board approved CUP #497 for a portable septic business and COZ #366 to change zoning from A‑1 to A‑2. It recommended approval of DP #25‑01 for storage units and approved a layout plat for new residential lots on Hwy 14A/Mattson Ln. The board also approved an amended preliminary plat, a final plat, and recommended budgeting for an updated Comprehensive Plan.
- Approved CUP #497 for portable septic pumping business (motion carried)
- Approved COZ #366 changing zoning from A‑1 to A‑2 (motion carried)
- Recommended approval of DP #25‑01 for storage units (motion carried)
- Approved Layout Plat for new residential lots on Hwy 14A/Mattson Ln (motion carried)
- Approved Amended Preliminary Plat for new residential lots at Powder House Pass (motion carried)
- Approved Final Plat for subdivision on Hwy 385 (motion carried)
- Recommended approval to price out and budget for an updated Comprehensive Plan (motion carried)
County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment
The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the meeting agenda, a travel request for Sheriff staff, several personnel hires and step raises, tax abatements for three properties, and a joint powers agreement for weed‑spraying services. They also adopted Resolution #2025-15 to vacate a portion of a highway and Resolution #2025-18 to vacate a portion of a plat. All motions passed by unanimous vote.
- Approved agenda amendment (unanimous)
- Approved travel request for Dustin Schumacher to attend conference (unanimous)
- Approved hire of Chantel Easton as full‑time Correctional Officer II at $26.61/hr (unanimous)
- Approved step raise for Ashley Job, Correctional Officer II at $26.61/hr (unanimous)
- Approved joint powers agreement for weed‑spraying services (unanimous)
- Approved tax abatement for Broken Wheel Real Estate, LLC parcel #25200-00704-000-01 (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution #2025-15 to vacate a portion of a highway (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution #2025-18 to vacate a portion of a plat (unanimous)