BELLE FOURCHE—The Butte County Commission held a Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, September 2. Chairman Ager thanked Commissioner Erk for running the last meeting, mentioned the upcoming meeting with Ainsworth Benning on September 3 at 4 p.m., and asked that attendees keep sidebar conversations and small talk to a minimum.
Pastor Sheri Fadley led in a moment of prayer. The floor was then opened for public comments with Sue Broadhurst, Dale Simanton, and Jerry Constant speaking on error in the August 19 meeting minutes, invoices, spending, productivity of Highway employees, and Stranger One Road traffic and the need for additional signs. There was a public hearing for the adoption of the 2026 Provisional Budget for Butte County. Commissioners discussed the main considerations of the budget such as custodial, IT, building, highway employees, tools for building maintenance, Gaver bridge, Sheriff vehicle (lease), gravel, payoff, and warranty of highway equipment, ambulance, and fire department allocation. No members of the public were present to speak for or against the adoption of the 2026 Provisional Budget for Butte County.
Dispatch Supervisor Katy Thompson provided an activity report including number
of calls and current and future staffing. Jasen Saivong provided an activity report including number of new calls in August, contacts, death benefits, and DAV transports. Saivong also spoke on promotion and will be serving three more years in the National Guard. Highway Administrator Lori Johnston provided an activity report, including hauling gravel for magging, mowing, and hauling gravel done by new hires.
Commissioner Erk mentioned calls received about Gruel Road; the first mile needs work due to cattle and rain. Sheriff Lamphere shared that Reserve Deputy Fowler is interested in attending the Academy in order to receive certification. Discussion was held regarding wages and reimbursement for wages during the academy.
Auditor Capp provided an activity report, including building activities and the new Deputy Auditor, Corey Somervold. Discussion was held regarding the Building Maintenance position. States Attorney Barnaud gave an activity report, noting that August was a busy month, and discussed 60 new cases, types of cases, the number of residents in jail (11), and some staffing changes.
Committee reports were given, with the Ambulance committee requesting board members stay the same for consistency. Butte County Community Safety Day, hosted by LEPC, was successful and plans to improve are in the works. The Highway Committee was held to go over the Road and Bridge plan. Commissioner Ager shared information on bridges completed in the last 9 years, the benefits of the wheel tax, and future plans. The 2026-2030 Five-Year Plan will be discussed at the October 7 meeting.
The Butte County Board of Commissioners will meet on September 16 at 6 p.m.
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
