On the agenda: Tripp County Oct. 13th — data center (Oct 13)

Tripp County, South Dakota
October 13, 2026
The meeting of the Tripp County Commissioners was called to order by the Chair in the Commissioner
Room at the Court House at Winner on October 13, 2026, at 12:00 P.M. Roll call showed Board
members Cody Jorgensen, Joyce Kartak, Daniel Forgey, Larry Wilcox, and Michael Novotny. Also,
present was Auditor Barbara DeSersam, Ruth Galbraith, Jane Assman, Cindy Assman, Darci Peters,
Tami Comp, Fred & Burdena Weidner, Tom and Jolynn Grieves, Howard Smith, Cindy and Kevin
Peters, Judy McCready, Cindy Neiss, Betty Farnsworth, Rick Shippy, Deb Moeller, Blake McClanahan,
Tyler Lebeda and Dan Bechtold, Winner Advocate.
Cody Jorgensen reported a conflict of interest with the Liquor License Application for Lazy J Lodge to
be held at 1:00 P.M.
Forgey made the motion, seconded by Wilcox, to approve the agenda as presented.
Roll call: All ayes. Motion carried.
Novotny made the motion, seconded by Kartak, that the minutes of the meeting held on September 22,
2026, be approved as read.
Roll call: All ayes. Motion carried.
Kartak made the motion, seconded by Novotny, that the claims be approved as follows:
BI-MONTHLY PAYROLL: COMMISSIONERS: $2,408.74; AUDITOR’S OFFICE: $6,489.65;
TREASURER’S OFFICE: $6,069.66; STATES ATTORNEY’S OFFICE: $6,205.37;
COURTHOUSE: $1,720.00; ASSESSOR’S OFFICE: $5,018.03; REGISTER OF DEED’S OFFICE:
$3,846.40; VETERAN’S SERVICE: $678.80; INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES: $2,090.12;
SHERIFF’S OFFICE: $8,751.81; WELFARE: $753.85; AMBULANCE: $8,911.83; LIBRARY:
$4,523.50.; EXTENSION: $1,600.00; WEED: $1,733.85; ROAD & BRIDGE: $26,139.19;
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: $500.00; VARIOUS DEDUCTIONS: FIRST FIDELITY BANK,
WITHHOLDING, SOCIAL SECURITY & MEDICARE, $18,720.57; MASA, INSURANCE, $27.00;
SD RETIREMENT SYSTEM, CONTRIBUTION, $9,356.54; GENERAL DEDUCTIONS: DIVISON
OF CHILD SUPPORT, CHILD SUPPORT; $226.16; OPTILEGRA, INSURANCE, $27.63; SD
SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT, DEDUCTIONS, $722.07.
COMMISSIONERS: BEST WESTERN RAMKOTA HOTEL, ROOMS FOR CONFERENCE,
$550.00; JOYCE KARTAK, REIMB MILEAGE, $363.95; OFFICE PRODUCTS CENTER,
SERV CONT/PAPER/COPY COUNT, $528.95; WINNER ADVOCATE INC., MINS/BIDS,
$455.87; ALTERNATIVE HRD, LLC, HR SUPPORT/JOB POST, $668.25; HEALTHEQUITY,
WAGEWORKS INC., HSA ADMIN FEE, $69.75; ELECTION: ELECTION SYSTEMS &
SOFTWARE INC., GENERAL ELECTION 26, $3,442.01; DARRELL DESERSA, ELECTION
WORK, $152.00; CIRCUIT COURT: LYNSEY HANSON - COURT RECORDER, TRANSCRIPTS,
$42.50; JESSICA PAULSEN, TRANSCRIPTS, $111.60; AUDITOR: BEST WESTERN RAMKOTA
HOTEL, ROOMS FOR CONFERENCE, $220.00; BARB DESERSA, SUPPLIES, $23.36; MCLEOD'S
OFFICE SUPPLY, ENV, $212.14; OFFICE PRODUCTS CENTER, SUPPLIES, $53.88; TYLER
BUSINESS FORMS, TAX FORMS 2027, $876.40; AMAZON CAPITOL SERVICES, SUPPLIES,
$114.32; TREASURER: OFFICE PRODUCTS CENTER, SERV CONT/SUPPLIES, $225.42;
STATE'S ATTORNEY: OFFICE PRODUCTS CENTER, SUPPLIES, $230.04; COUNTY BUILDING
MAINT: APPEARA, SERV, $194.98; HILLYARD, INC, SUPPLIES, $97.56; WINNER MUNICIPAL
UTILITIES, UTILITIES, $2,150.91; WINNER TRUE VALUE, SUPPLIES, $31.98; DIRECTOR OF
EQUALIZATION: OFFICE PRODUCTS CENTER, SERV CONT, $35.00; WINNER TRUE VALUE,
SUPPLIES, $35.97; G.F. BUCHE CO (GUS STOP 6), FUEL, $89.37; INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGIES: FIRST BANK AND TRUST - SHER/AMB/IT, ADOBE, $285.82; GOLDEN
WEST TELECOMMUNICATIONS, PHONE/INTERNET SERV, $923.48; AMAZON CAPITOL
SERVICES, HEADSET/DYMO, $649.09; WORKPLACE BY DIRECT, FIREWALL RENEWALS/
SERVICES, $7,071.28; SHERIFF: DARRYL SUESS, COURT SECURITY, $85.00; FIRST BANK
AND TRUST, SUPPLIES/CAMERAS, $882.76; HUGHES BROTHERS 2, OIL CHANGE, $135.75;
OFFICE PRODUCTS CENTER, SUPPLIES/SERV CONT, $448.95; VOYAGER FLEET SYSTEMS
INC, FUEL, $1,287.27; WINNER LASER WASH, CAR WASH, $64.00; JAIL: CITY OF WINNER,
ROOM & BOARD, $16,827.00; DAN FURNESS, TRANSFER, $152.00; HUGHES COUNTY
FINANCE OFFICE, INMATE BOARD, $105.00; SD DEPT OF HEALTH, BLOOD DRAWS,
$390.00; CORRECTIONAL RISK SERVICES, INMATE INSURANCE, $639.80; AMBULANCE:
CITY OF WINNER, 20% COUNTY SHARE, $1,531.58; FRONTIER MOTORS FORD, INC, 609
REPAIRS, $3,175.16; FIRST BANK AND TRUST, SUPPLIES, $529.20; RUNNINGS SUPPLY,
SUPPLIES, $109.87; VOYAGER FLEET SYSTEMS INC, FUEL, $347.54; AMAZON CAPITOL
SERVICES, SUPPLIES, $7.49; BOUND TREE, SUPPLIES, 354.58; MENTALLY HANDICAPPED:
STATE TREASURER, PT CARE – REDFIELD, $60.00; SDACC, 3RD/4TH QRT CLERP, $5,802.00;
MENTAL ILLNESS: AVERA MCKENNAN HOSPITAL, MI HOLD, $873.00; LINCOLN COUNTY
TREASURER, EVAL/BOARD, $547.33; LIBRARY: GOLDEN WEST TELECOMMUNICATIONS,
PHONE/INTERNET, 26.84; MISTI BURNS, MILEAGE REIMB, $135.58; OFFICE PRODUCTS
CENTER, SERV CONT, $67.13; WINNER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES, UTILITIES, $683.19; WINNER
ADVOCATE INC., DISPLAY AD, $88.00; FIRST BANK AND TRUST, SUPPLIES/SERVICE,

$592.13; EXTENSION: FIRST BANK AND TRUST, FUEL/SUBSCRIPTION, $441.36; OFFICE
PRODUCTS CENTER, COPY COUNT, $170.49; AMAZON CAPITOL SERVICES, SUPPLIES,
$124.35; VERIZON WIRELESS INC., PHONE SERV, $79.46; WEED: GOLDEN WEST
TELECOMMUNICATIONS, UTILITIES, $37.92; HUGHES BROTHERS 2, OIL CHANGE, $69.44;
TRIPP ROAD & BRIDGE: APPEARA, SERV, $165.22; AUTOMATE PARTS & MACHINE SHOP
INC., PARTS/SUPPLIES, $1,705.69; ATTEBERRY CONSTRUCTION INC., CRUSHIN/BLADE/
COLDMIX, $30,135.21; AVERA HEALTH, DRUG TEST, $165.40; CHS, INC, FUEL, $5,768.07;
GOV DEALS INC, STERLING LT9500, $16,875.00; JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL, PARTS/
SUPPLIES, $6,414.80; GOLDEN WEST TELECOMMUNICATIONS, PHONE SERV, $221.95;
HARRY K NAPA, PARTS/SUPPLIES, $371.79; HUGHES BROTHERS 2, OIL CHANGE,
$1,174.10; HIGH PLAINS TRUCK & TRAILER, PARTS/FILTERS, $246.41; MARK HOWLAND,
REIMB MEAL/ROOM/FUEL, $317.24; FEDEX, PICKUP FREIGHT, $27.38; KEVIN OREL,
WINDOW, $485.13; KAISER TRUCKING, INC, TREAT BULK, $13,983.75; LYLE SIGNS INC.,
SIGNS, $1,466.85; M & D HOWLAND TRUCKING, CULVERT WORK, $1,173.47; MITCHELL
EQUIPMENT, PARTS/REPAIRS, $5,071.70; RUNNINGS SUPPLY, PARTS/SUPPLIES, $469.67;
RIDE ROPE EXPRESS, INC, CUSTOM HAULING, $7,572.05; SD DOT, COST SHARE BRIDGES,
$6,572.05; STATELINE TRUCKING & CUSTOM SPRAYING L, HAULED GRADER, $1,200.00;
SOLBERG INDUSTRIES, REPAIRS, $486.00; SABER SHRED SOLUTIONS INC, SCRAP TIRES,
$4,830.00; TRIPP CO WATER USER DISTRICT, CLEARFIELD SHOP, $41.00; TANNER ELDER,
BRUSH MOWING, $600.00; WINNER WELDING, INC, WORK ON FUEL TANK, $110.00;
WINNER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES, UTILITIES, $478.14; WW TIRE SERVICE INC., TIRES,
$6,217.42; AMAZON CAPITOL SERVICES, SUPPLIES, $117.27; MATHIS FARM EQUIP. LLC,
PARTS, $1,314.44; TWO WAY SOLUTIONS, INC., REPAIRS, $98.00; KEVIN OSBORNE, REIMB
PARTS, $363.44; BURKE BUILDING CENTER INC., SUPPLIES, $497.49; MR AUTOMOTIVE,
PARTS/SUPPLIES, $1,111.90; FLEET PRIDE, SUPPLIES, $282.23; MILLER BROTHERS
FENCING, CHANGE FENCE, $825.00; EMERGENCY MGMT: FIRST BANK AND TRUST,
FUEL/MEAL/CONF, $673.32; BUILDING & STRUCTURES: COUNTY BUILDING, KUCERA
ELECTRIC, INC., OUTSIDE LIGHTS, $190.22; NON-DEPARTMENTAL: SD ASSOCIATION OF
CO. OFFICIALS, SEPT COLLECTIONS, $142.00.
Roll call: All ayes. Motion carried.
No one appeared for public comment.
Howard Smith, TCCC, LLC, came to the meeting to discuss zoning and asked the commissioners to
form a committee to investigate zoning and find a solution. Smith is looking into conditional zoning and
will report at the next meeting. Smith stated zoning will eventually be needed in Tripp County.
Tami Comp, TCCC, LLC, researched the Tripp County Minutes since 2023 and found 99% of the
complaints at the meetings have been about the roads. Comp is concerned about the extra traffic from
the hog confinement and wondering how the county will keep up. Comp spoke to Janiece Weber, DOE,
and stated the filing process isn’t going well with reporting new changes or growth on property. Comp
requested that the commissioners implement zoning or form a committee to investigate zoning and bring
it to a public vote.
Jolynn Grieves, TCCC, LLC, asked each commissioner if they thought there would be any benefits if a
large hog confinement was built in Tripp County.
Commissioner Jorgensen stated there would be potential economic growth; also, he has spoken to
several constituents that are not in favor of zoning or building permits.
Commissioner Kartak stated it will help economically with employees, housing, gas, school, etc.
Commissioner Forgey agreed with Jorgensen.
Commissioner Wilcox agreed with Jorgensen.
Commissioner Novotny agreed with Jorgensen and added it will help the local farmers.
Sarah Myers entered the meeting stating Pipestone will fix the roads that they should be asking
Pipestone.
Grieves asked the commissioners if they knew who was hauling; Pipestone or local trucks. Grieves
inquired why the meetings weren’t live streamed or held in the evening so others could come to the
meeting. The commissioners said they will discuss this further.
Joel Keierleber entered the meeting to ask the commissioners if they had money set aside for hog farm
expenses; bond restrictions to put the land back as it was after they leave; and stated outside large hog
confinements are using the business as a tax write off and they have no respect for the county.
Commissioner Wilcox has concerns about temporary zoning and possibly being sued if they didn’t
follow through with zoning.
Grieves asked the commissioners if they were for data centers in Tripp County.
Commissioner Jorgensen stated he is against data centers building in Tripp County.

Betty Farnsworth, TCCC, LLC, stated there can be guidelines when implementing zoning.
Tanielle Black Feather, Rosebud Sioux Tribal Council, asked the commissioners if the can’t live stream
or if they won’t. Black Feather has concerns with the large hog confinement affecting the water; cancer
increase; birth defects; man camps; and they should consider implementing zoning. Black Feather
reiterated that Commissioner Jorgensen should recuse himself on the issue.
Janiece Weber, DOE, came to the meeting to show the commissioner an overview of the GIS mapping
updates.
Commissioner Jorgensen recused himself as chairman for the approval of the Liquor License
Application for Lazy J Lodge and left the meeting.
Vice-Chair Joyce Kartak conducted the meeting.
Wilcox made the motion, seconded by Novotny, to approve the 2027 Application for the Alcoholic
Beverage License submitted by Jorgensen Land and Cattle, dba as Lazy J Grand Lodge, for Retail (onsale) Liquor with Sunday sales.
Roll call: Ayes: Kartak, Forgey, Wilcox and Novotny.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Commissioner Jorgensen re-entered the meeting and conducted the remaining agenda.
The auditor presented the Hughes County 2027 Contracts for Juvenile Services and Jail Services to the
Commissioners for approval. Wilcox made the motion, seconded by Forgey, to give the Chairman
permission to sign the two contracts.
Roll call: All ayes. Motion carried.
Kartak made the motion, seconded by Forgey, to authorize the Chairman to sign the renewal for the
Health Pool of South Dakota, offering the employees the HP3500 high-deductible HSA plan.
Roll call: All ayes. Motion carried.
Novotny made the motion, seconded by Forgey, to approve the third Quarterly Ambulance Write-offs in
the amount of $39,550.23.
Roll call: All ayes. Motion carried.
Forgey made the motion, seconded by Wilco, to increase the mileage reimbursement rate to .76/mile
following the federal guidelines.
Roll call: All ayes. Motion carried.
Discussion was held on the verbiage in the Tripp County Personnel Handbook, Section VII, Under 706:
PERSONAL USE OF COUNTY VEHICLES. Wilcox made the motion, seconded by Kartak, to adopt
the following:
RESOLUTION: (37-2026):
Therefore, Be it Resolved by the Tripp County Board of Commissioners to hereby amend the
2026 revised Tripp County Personnel Handbook, Section VII, under 706: PERSONAL USE OF
COUNTY VEHICLES- HOME RETENTION AND USE POLICY to read:
1. Purpose
The County recognizes that certain positions require immediate or frequent access to a county vehicle in
order to respond to emergencies, perform essential County services, or efficiently conduct County business. This
policy establishes guidelines for employees who are authorized to take a County-owned vehicle home.
2. Eligibility
Home retention of a county vehicle may be authorized for positions where it is determined to be in the
best interest of the County. Examples may include:
• Sheriff, Deputy Sheriffs, and other designated law enforcement personnel;
• County Highway/Maintenance employees who are subject to emergency or after-hours call-out;
• Emergency or on-call personnel; and
• Other employees are specifically approved by the Board of County Commissioners or Department Head.
Authorization is based upon the needs of the position and does not constitute an employee benefit or entitlement.
3. Residency Requirement
An employee authorized to take a county vehicle home must maintain their primary residence within
the County.
If an employee moves outside the County, the employee must notify their Department Head immediately. The
County may require the vehicle to be returned to the County facility or another designated location.
Exceptions may be approved by the Board of County Commissioners when there is a documented operational
reason.
4. Authorized Use
A County vehicle assigned for home retention shall be used only for official County business.
The employee may:
• Drive the vehicle between their residence and the normal work location when the vehicle has been
authorized for home retention;
• Drive the vehicle directly to and from emergencies, on-call, or other County assignments;

•
•

Respond directly from home to an emergency or call-out;
Use the vehicle for other official County business authorized by the employee's Department Head.
Taking the vehicle home is intended to improve the County's ability to provide timely services and respond to
emergencies.
5. Prohibited Personal Use
Personal use of a county vehicle is prohibited.
The vehicle shall not be used for:
• Personal errands or shopping;
• Transportation of family members or friends, except when specifically authorized for official County
business;
• Personal recreation or travel;
• Transportation of personal property unrelated to County business;
• Commuting to locations unrelated to the employee's County duties; or
• Any other activity that is not official County business.
The vehicle may not be used as a substitute for the employee's personal vehicle.
6. Vehicle Security and Care
Employees assigned a county vehicle for home retention are responsible for:
• Maintaining the vehicle in a secure location when not in use;
• Taking reasonable precautions to protect the vehicle, equipment, keys, and County property;
• Keeping the vehicle reasonably clean and in good operating condition;
• Promptly reporting accidents, damage, mechanical problems, or other concerns; and
• Ensuring that only authorized individuals operate the vehicle.
7. Driver Requirements
Employees authorized to operate a county vehicle must:
• Maintain a valid driver's license appropriate for the vehicle;
• Comply with all traffic laws and County safety policies;
• Immediately report any suspension, revocation, restriction, or loss of driving privileges; and
• Never operate a county vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or any other substance that could affect
safe driving.
8. Fuel and Expenses
County fuel cards or other County-paid vehicle expenses may be used only for authorized County business and
vehicle-related expenses.
Employees shall not use County funds, fuel cards, or other County resources for personal vehicle use.
9. Assignment and Revocation
The County reserves the right to approve, modify, suspend, or revoke an employee's authorization to take
a County vehicle home at any time based upon operational needs, changes in job duties, residency, driving status,
misuse of the vehicle, or other legitimate County considerations.
Violation of this policy may result in loss of vehicle privileges and/or disciplinary action, up to and including
termination of employment.
10. Administration
The Department Head shall maintain a current list of employees authorized for home retention of County
vehicles. Each authorization should identify the employee, vehicle, department, and operational reason for the
assignment.
The Board of County Commissioners retains final authority over County vehicle policies and may approve
exceptions when determined to be in the best interest of the County.

Therefore, Be it Resolved by the Tripp County Board of Commissioners to hereby adopt the
newly revised Tripp County Personnel Handbook, and
Further Be it Resolved that the effective date of this Resolution is October 13, 2026, and that all
other resolutions or parts of resolutions in conflict herewith be hereby repealed.
Dated at Winner, South Dakota this 13th day of October 2026.
________________________________
Chair, Cody Jorgensen
________________________________
Joyce Kartak
________________________________
Daniel Forgey
________________________________
Larry Wilcox
________________________________
Michael Novotny
ATTEST:
______________________________
County Auditor
Roll call: Ayes: Jorgensen, Kartak, Forgey, Wilcox and Novotny.
Nays: None. Resolution adopted.

Kartak made the motion, seconded by Novotny, to change the commissioner meeting from November 10
to November 5, 2026, to canvass the votes from the General Election held November 3, 2026.
Roll call: All ayes. Motion carried.
The Auditor’s Account with the Treasurer was presented for the approval of the Board as follows:
To the Honorable Board of County Commissioners Tripp County:
I hereby submit the following report of my examination of the cash and cash items in the hands
of the County Treasurer of this County as of September 30, 2026.
Total amount of deposits in banks
$4,694,931.43
Total amount of actual cash
2,562.45
Total amount of checks and drafts in Treasurer’s
possession not exceeding three days
18,342.64
Itemized list of all items, checks and drafts which
have been in the Treasurer’s possession over three days
Credit Card
1,646.10
Postage, Freight, Exp.
Co. License &Title
____ ______
TOTAL
$4,717,482.62
Dated this 1st day of October 2026
County Auditor, Tripp Co.
Forgey made the motion, seconded by Kartak, that the Auditor’s Account with the Treasurer be
approved as presented.
Roll call: All ayes. Motion carried.
The Register of Deed’s Statement of Fees collected during the month of September 2026 showed
$5,050.00.
The Auditor presented a list of polling places for the General Election. Forgey made the motion,
seconded by Wilcox, to adopt the following:
RESOLUTION (38-2026):
Be it Resolved by the Tripp County Board of Commissioners to hereby designate the following
polling places for the November 3, 2026, General Election:
A General Election will be held on Tuesday November 3, 2026, in all the voting precincts in
Tripp County. The election polls will be open from seven o’clock a.m. to seven o’clock p.m. (central
daylight savings) time on the day of the election.
The polling place in each precinct of this county is as follows:
Clearfield Consolidated……………………………………… Clearfield Hall
Colome Consolidated………………………………………... Colome Firehall in Colome
Hamill Consolidated…………………………………………..Hamill Hall
Ideal Consolidated…………………………………………… First Presbyterian Church in Ideal
Lake Consolidated…………………………………………… Colome Firehall in Colome
Lamro Consolidated ………………………………………….4-H Community Center in Winner
Sully Consolidated …………………………………………...4-H Community Center in Winner
Witten Consolidated ……………………………………….…Witten Community Hall
Winner City-SE 1st ..…………………………………………..4-H Community Center in Winner
Winner City-E 2nd ……………………………………………4-H Community Center in Winner
Winner City-W 2nd …………………………………………...4-H Community Center in Winner
Winner City-E 3rd …………………………………………….4-H Community Center in Winner
Winner City-W 3rd ……………………………………………4-H Community Center in Winner
Dated at Winner, South Dakota this 13th day of October 2026.
________________________________
Chair, Cody Jorgensen
________________________________
Joyce Kartak
________________________________
Daniel Forgey
________________________________
Larry Wilcox
________________________________
Michael Novotny
ATTEST:
______________________________
County Auditor

Roll call: Ayes: Jorgensen, Kartak, Forgey, Wilcox and Novotny.
Nays: None. Resolution adopted.
Banner Township sent a letter to the Tripp County Board of Commissioners informing them that the
Speed Limit in Banner Township has been set to 25mph.
Kevin Osborne, Highway Superintendent, and Administrative Assistant Heather Wortman entered the
meeting. The crews have mowed; continuing to work on projects 6388, 53, and 6470; bladed multiple
roads.
Discussion was held on project 6388, Dog Ear Lake Road. It will cost $75,000.00 for Flat Creek
Construction to haul gravel and finish this project.
Novotny made the motion, seconded by Forgey, to pay Flat Creek Construction $75,000 to finish
hauling gravel to project 6388.
Roll call: All ayes. Motion carried.
Wilcox made the motion, seconded by Novotny, to adopt the following:
RESOLUTION (39-2026):
Be it Resolved by the Tripp County Board of Commissioners to hereby hire Shirley Worden as a
full-time Highway Maintenance employee effective October 20, 2026, and
Further Be it Resolved Mrs. Worden shall be compensated at the rate of $20.00 per hour and
serve a probationary period, up to 6 months, at the discretion of the Highway Superintendent.
Dated at Winner, South Dakota this 13th day of October 2026.
________________________________
Chair, Cody Jorgensen
________________________________
Joyce Kartak
________________________________
Daniel Forgey
________________________________
Larry Wilcox
________________________________
Michael Novotny
ATTEST:
______________________________
County Auditor
Roll call: Ayes: Jorgensen, Kartak, Forgey, Wilcox and Novotny.
Nays: None. Resolution adopted.
Dave Pravecek and Finn Bartels have requested an approach that meets County guidelines. Novotny
made the motion, seconded by Forgey, to approve the approaches, with the County doing only the dirt
work.
Roll call: All ayes. Motion carried.
Osborne reported a routine inspection was done at one Bridge Structure #62-214-270 located on 277th
Street on Old Lodge Creek and has failed. The bridge has been closed.
Kevin Osborne, Highway Superintendent, asked permission to attend the 41st Annual Local Road
Conference in Sioux Falls October 19-21, 2026, and the Road Show, Conference & Annual Meeting in
Sioux Falls December 3 & 4, 2026. Kartak made the motion, seconded by Forgey, to authorize the
necessary expenses for Kevin Osborne, Highway Superintendent, to attend the 41st Annual Local Road
Conference in Sioux Falls October 19-21, 2026, and the Road Show, Conference & Annual Meeting in
Sioux Falls December 3 & 4, 2026.
Roll call: All ayes. Motion carried.
Dan Bechtold, Winner Advocate, left for the day.
Lily Ballengee, Rural Transportation Specialist from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Derek
McTighe and Jamie Van Zee, Brosz Engineering, John Clem, District III and a representative from
Felsburg, Holt & Ullevig joined the meeting via zoom to Debrief the commissioners on the Build Grant
application.
Ballengee reported there were 1,1956 applicants for the Build Grant in 2026 with $1.7 billion dollars to
be awarded. There were 127 projects that were awarded for the Build Grant. Each project was reviewed

and gave a merit rating. There are 8 categories to be rated for each project. Tripp County proceeded to
the highly rated list but was not chosen. In the 8 categories Tripp County had 5 high and 3 medium
ratings.
Ballengee stated that even if all 8 categories were highly rated that doesn’t guarantee being awarded
with the grant.
Ballengee gave suggestions as to how to improve those categories for next year’s applications.
At 3:49 P.M. Kartak made the motion to adjourn until October 27, 2026, at 10:00 A.M., seconded by
Wilcox.
Roll call: All ayes. Meeting adjourned.
_________________________
Chairman, Cody Jorgensen
ATTEST:
_______________________
County Auditor