Walworth County Commission meeting Thursday, November 7, 2024

The Walworth County Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, November 7th.

The commissioners began the meeting by convening as the Planning & Zoning Board.  They passed a motion to update the County Administration manual by adding “solar energy systems” to the table of contents along with an application for a solar energy system to the manual.

Mobridge resident Rod Moon addressed the commission during Public Forum with some questions regarding the Master Transportation Plan.  Commissioner Scott Schilling said that nothing has been discussed or decided on items in the Master Transportation Plan other than what is being worked on currently.  Commission Chairman Jim Houck commented that Master Transportation Plan discussion should be included with Highway Department issues rather than in Public Forum.

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After an executive session the commission noted that Walworth County States Attorney Sarah Malsom can appoint her own part-time deputy as needed.

The commission approved the hiring of Curtis Jakeway as maintenance, and putting Deputy Treasurer Paul Hildebrant’s name on the bank account.

Highway

For the Highway Department Commission Chairman Houck signed a WRT utility permit for 127th Street and a utility easement for Spindler’s.

Acceptance of the Master Transportation Plan was tabled to allow for more information to be gathered.

Highway Superintendent Tom Hannan gave the commissioners a road update; discussed the potential purchase of a semi; and talked about setting up a program to assist applicants in the process of getting their CDLs.

Sheriff

The commissioners approved the Hughes County Juvenile Jail contract at $420.00 per day and the Hughes County Adult Jail contract at $105.00 per day.

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Also at Thursday’s meeting:

Liquor licenses were approved for the Oahe Hills Golf Course, the Campground Lounge, and Mudline Adventures LLC.  Commissioner Kevin Holgard mentioned he would like to require entities wanting a new license to inquire on their own if another business would want to sell their liquor license for the same price before the commission issues a new one.  This will be placed on a future agenda for more discussion.

The commission authorized the Chairman to sign a deed for a tax property in Java.

The commissioners passed a motion to close the Courthouse on Friday, November 29th and Tuesday, December 24th.

After adjournment of the county commission, they convened as the Walworth County Canvassing Board to canvass the November 5th general election.