Walworth County solar farm ordinance public hearing dates set for March

At Thursday’s (Feb. 22nd) regular meeting of the Walworth County Commission, dates were set for the next solar farm ordinance public hearings.  They will be held at 9am in the Walworth County Courthouse courtroom on Thursday, March 7th, and Wednesday, March 27th.

The commissioners approved a motion made by Commissioner Duane Mohr to tear down the house on the John Tisdall tax deed property in Mobridge and let the City of Mobridge do the hauling to the landfill.

The commissioners approved the planning and zoning recommendation on Shannon Thompson’s variance request to allow a grain bin to remain at about 120 feet from the center of the road, even though the ordinance states that it is to be 158 feet from the center of a road.  Commissioner Kevin Holgard abstained from the vote.

A letter will be signed by the County Auditor to approve the purchase of ribbons for Walworth County 4-H with the funding to come out of the county’s extension budget.

Highway Department

Highway Department Superintendent Tom Hannon read the Bridge Reinspection Resolution for the South Dakota Department of Transportation Retainer Contract and then the commissioners approved it to be signed by the Chairman.

The commission also approved a motion for a 4-day work week for the highway department, which will be revisited in the fall.  Commissioners Holgard and Scott Schilling voted against the motion.

Hannan also informed the board that he has signed a contract with MDU, and the natural gas line for the county shop will be coming in the next few weeks or months.

Treasurer’s Office

Walworth County Treasurer Cindy Geier told the commissioners that she has been visiting with Venturecomm regarding the possibility of getting a new telephone system in the courthouse, which could include a phone by the front entrance for people to use when they are unable to use the stairs or lift.

Assessor’s Office

The commission approved the surplus of a 2012 Chevy Impala in the Assessor’s office.