Walworth County Commission meeting Tuesday, August 20th

The Walworth County Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 20th.  Some highlights from the meeting:

Sheriff’s Department

On a 3 to 2 vote the commissioners approved raising the starting pay compensation for certified sheriff’s deputies from $26.75 to $28.75.  Sheriff Josh Boll would like to attract more certified deputies to the Walworth County Sheriff’s office.  The commissioners agreed the raise in compensation would be valid through 2025 without the 6% increase on January 1st.

Jail Discussion

Toby Morris from Colliers Securities was present at the meeting to introduce Rob Yantis by phone.  Yantis is the former jail commander at the Pennington County Sheriff’s office and is now working with the National Institute of Jail Operations, writing policy for jail facilities.

Commissioner Kevin Holgard asked about a timeline for the study.  Morris said they hope to have something ready for the commission by October or November.

Emergency Manager

The commission approved the state-issued 2025 Local Emergency Manager Performance Grant contract and authorized the chairman to sign.

Walworth County Emergency Manager Jeff Jensen gave the commissioners an update on FEMA awarding a BRIC grant – which stands for Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities – for the City of Mobridge for the water intake project.

Solar Farm Ordinance

The commissioners set a hearing date of Thursday, September 5th, for adoption of the solar farm ordinance.

Highway Department

Walworth County Highway Superintendent Tom Hannan gave the board a visual presentation of the inventory and purchases at the highway department.

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Also at the meeting, Kayla Laine from the Walworth Conversation District talked to the commissioners about the quonset building southeast of the highway shop.  The Conservation District would like the County to take control of it, which the commission agreed to do in an approved motion made by Commissioner Holgard.  Laine said someone is currently renting the building through October.  The commissioners said they would honor agreement, and then decide whether to continue to lease it or surplus and sell it.