BELLE FOURCHE-The license for retail on-sale liquor made available due to an increase in the county’s population was granted to Black Hills Experience by way of a drawing done by citizen Sue Broadhurst. During the Public Hearing, a question arose on the ownership of the competing venue, Silver Spur Ranch LLC, owned by Steve Jung, since his address was listed as Minnesota. However, the location is on on Wagon Wheel Trail near Belle Fourche.
The legal description for Black Hills Experience was in question as it was not complete. Owner Jared Capp was on hand to clarify the legal description and it was entered into the minutes as Tract BHT of NE ¼ of SW1/4 in Section 5, Township 7 North, Range 2 East of the Black Hills Meridian. Section 5: that portion of the NW1/4 of SE1/4 and that portion of South ½, SE ¼ line North of Redwater River.
Earlier during the meeting, the commissioners awarded the transfer of retail on-off sale malt beverage and SD farm wine retail on-off wine and cider, Sunday sales from Wagon Wheel Weddings LLC to Silver Spur Ranch LLC. Steve Jung, owner, explained the history of the purchase of the property and plans for the future of the operation.
There have been some changes to Butte County Health Services that include more focus on school health, immunizations, and pregnant women prenatal and postpartum care. The Delta Dental bus has come twice and has done over $67,000 worth of dental work in Butte County.
Deputy State’s Attorney Edward Tarbay has resigned his position effective April 12, 2024. He has taken a position with the US Attorney’s office. State’s Attorney LeEllen McCartney said that the case load transfer should be seamless, but it will cause a heavy load for one person, for example her office has opened 44 new cases with 77 charges.
The SA office has been experiencing issues in filling the position held by Tarbay such as salary, ability to do remote work, and politics in Butte County. There is one applicant to be interviewed in the upcoming week, but he must pass the bar before he can become a working attorney for the county.
Commissioner James Ager asked if it would be possible to contract any of the SA work. SA McCartney that it could be a valid option.
Public comments mentioned thanks to the commissioners for beginning to spend more time following procedures.
Dale Simanton acknowledged the selection process for a Planning Board member, stating that he appreciated their attention. He also commented on the amount of discussion on liquor licenses compared to the marijuana licenses.
Sue Broadhurst thanked Auditor Annie Capp for her diligence on getting information online. She also thanked the commissioners for following Roberts Rules of Order.
Butte County Resolution 2024-14 (Amended), which is a resolution for the establishment of a fee to be charged upon redemption of a tax certificate was approved by the commissioners. The resolution sets “a fee of $50 to be charged to the holder of a tax certificate to be paid out of the proceeds due to the holder of that certificate.”
A letter of commitment to the city of Belle Fourche was signed by Sheriff Lamphere and Commission Chairperson James Ager. The letter set the preparation of an architectural plan that would include space for the offices of Butte County sheriff and Butte County Dispatch Center in a new building being planned for the Belle Fourche Police Department. Once the design and estimated cost of the structure is completed another letter of commitment will be considered before construction would start.
The microphone in the Commission Room has been moved to ensure better sound however, it was discovered during the beginning of the meeting that the audio was not working. Capp recorded the meeting on her phone. Although, there is no audio, the video is available on the Butte County website. Meetings are streamed live on the website and on YouTube.
The next commission meeting will be February 20 at 9:30 am in the Butte County Commission Room at the County Courthouse.