Lake County Commission Approves Hires and other Agenda Items

Lake County has hired a new Veterans Service Officer. County Commissioners on Tuesday approved the hiring of John Anderson to serve in the part-time position, at a rate of $21.85 an hour. Anderson’s first term will run through January 6th of 2025. He replaces Matt Pillar, who resigned on May 5th after serving in the position since 2021. 

The Commission on Tuesday also authorized the Chair to sign the Lake Madison’s Development Foundation’s letter, informing landowners of the CREP, CRP, and Riparian Buffer Strip programs. The Foundation asked the county to consider signing on to the letter, as the programs can help improve water quality. The South Dakota Legislature this past year expanded the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to add the Big Sioux River Watershed, making the program available to all landowners in Lake County. The program provides compensation for specific efforts to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and provide public hunting and fishing access.

Administrative Officer Shelli Gust informed the commission that the County’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan was approved by FEMA. The plan is approved through April of 2028. 

Also Tuesday, Commissioners approved a resolution to transfer cash from the General Fund to cover costs in other funds. The transfers include $200,000 for 911 Communications, $117,131 to the Emergency Management fund, and $5,000 to the Dive Team Fund.  Also approved was an application for a temporary Malt Beverage and Liquor License for the Madison Fire Department’s Beer Garden at the Prairie Village Bull Ride.