HURON — District 22 state representative Roger Chase spoke with the Beadle County Commission Tuesday morning as part of the regular meeting. Chase was discussing the legislative summer study, focused on funding county governments.

While expenses continue to rise for counties, South Dakota counties have only one sure way to add income - raising taxes. Chase stated that he and the members of the study were tasked with assisting counties to cut costs and increase revenues without increasing property taxes.

Commissioners and Chase spoke for nearly 45 minutes about potential proposals to make certain county positions into regional positions that serve multiple counties, charging for administrative fees for distribution of the tax money that comes into the county auditor’s office, and ensuring fees for public defenders are paid by those who incur the charges.

Highway superintendent Jason Fritzsche checked in with the activities of the highway department and set the annual Bridge Improvement Grant 5-year plan meeting for Sept. 5 at 9 a.m., as part of the regular commission meeting. The public is invited to attend.

Commissioners approved a pair of moving permits to move structures within the county.

Commissioners also:
• Approved a Datto Saas Protection MS 365 backup and network switch replacement proposal from Connecting Point.
• Approved a regional correctional center contract with Edmunds County.

The commission concluded the meeting in executive session regarding potential changes to the county’s employee pay scale.

The next meeting is 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, in the commission room on the second floor of the courthouse.