Butte County Commissioners decided to compose a Letter of Commitment to the Belle Fourche Police Department to enter an agreement to move forward with a plan for office space.
Belle Fourche Police Chief Ryan Cherveny was present to add his comments to the discussion of having the Butte County Sheriff’s Department as part of the plans for the BFPD building project.
Sheriff Lamphere pointed out that instead of Butte County building any law enforcement facility, an option would be to lease or rent space from Belle Fourche. He said that it would be important to have a formal letter so that the city of Belle Fourche could move forward with plans for the extra space that would be needed and to see what it would cost.
“I think we are responsible to have that architectural cost,” he added.
He indicated that getting the numbers and cost analysis would be pertinent to making wise decision.
The county commissioners approved a Letter of Commitment between Belle Fourche Police Department and Butte County Sheriff’s Department in regards to the planning stages of a law enforcement facility.
Many of county offices have had vacancies filled and are fully staffed. Treasurer Debbie Lensgrave noted that her office has done cross-training, which has been very beneficial, and is now fully staffed.
The Sheriff’s Office has listed the job description for an Office Supervisor. Sheriff Lamphere pointed out that it was new job, but will be needed in the future. The position will assist the Sheriff in carrying out the functions, responsibilities, and statutory requirements of the SO office.
State’s Attorney LeEllen McCartney listed two positions needed in the SA Office. One is a Paralegal, which includes complex clerical work and research support. The other opening is for a Legal Assistant who will assist the attorneys and paralegals by providing clerical work and support services.
McCartney said that the job descriptions are a workable solution with how things are working in her office and help the office work more smoothly.
Public Comment to consider opening one available on-sale liquor license had one comment from the public. Jared Capp is building a luxury resort which will be open all year round.
“We would like the opportunity to be able [to serve alcohol],” he said.
The commissioners discussed how the process could be followed to make a fair resolution. Auditor Annie Capp informed them that at this point there were four applicants.
It was decided that applications would be taken, fees paid, criteria/suitability of the applicant would be checked, and a lottery draw would be held. Those applicants that were not drawn would have their fees returned.
The deadline for applications to be returned to the auditor’s office is end of day February 2. The Auditor’s Office can be called for more information at 605-892-4485.
A new member has been appointed by the commissioners to serve a four-year term on the Butte County Planning Commission after a lengthy discussion and role call vote. Cody Burke will fill the vacancy beginning next month.
SA McCartney spoke to the professionalism of Deputy Bailey Hahne in a recent event. McCartney said that it was a very dangerous situation with a knife that Deputy Hahne used her training to deal with the event professionally. Sheriff Lamphere echoed her affirmation.
Petitions are open for two seats on the commission. Capp said that her office has given out two petitions for District 2 and one petition for District 4 so far. Karrol Herman serves District 2 and Stan Harms serves District 4. Petitions can be picked up in the Auditor’s Office or printed from https:// sdsos.gov/elections-voting/ nominating-petitions/download-nominating-petition. aspx anytime now and must be returned to the auditor’s office by March 26, 2024 with the required number of signatures and notarization.
The order on the ballot will be determined by drawing on April 2.
During Public Comment, Sue Broadhurst thanked the commissioners for the new audio/ visual but mentioned that the volume needed to be adjusted. She wants to have prayer before each meeting, pointing out that as a Christian nation it should be part of the business. She mentioned that it would be a good idea to have the Ministerial group rotate for prayer.
“We are a Christian nation and should not apologize,” she said.
Dale Simanton thought that there should be a vote on ejecting people. He admonished the commissioners on their conduct at the last meeting.
Travis Ismay would like to see an announcement of who is running for the Planning Board prior to the meeting so that people have the opportunity for input prior to a vote by the commission.
The bid for $14,000 was accepted to purchase the Ford van for the Sheriff’s Office.
The next commissioners’ meeting will be February 6 at 9:30 am in the Commissioners Room at the Butte County Courthouse.
