#PenningtonCounty

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11 hours ago

Pennington County directs state’s attorney to draft ordinance for Senate Bill 96 sales-tax option to lower owner-occupied property taxes Commissioners asked the county attorney to draft a local ordinance to implement Senate Bill 96 — a half‑cent sales‑tax option counties may use to offset owner-occupied property taxes — and agreed to public vetting. The board discussed timing, implementation, tax-shifting effects and directed preparatory work for possible adoption in late 2026.

Pennington County is taking a bold step to potentially lower property taxes by exploring a new sales tax ordinance that could reshape financial burdens for homeowners.

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11 hours ago

Neighbors oppose Palmer Gulch developer’s plan to exceed 40 homes; commission grants continuance A proposed variance that would allow more than 40 dwellings on a dead-end road in the Palmer Gulch area prompted hours of testimony. Developer Russell Johnson offered to create and maintain an emergency egress corridor; neighbors and the state’s attorney raised legal and safety concerns. The board continued the matter to May 19 to allow the applicant to pursue a recorded easement and other mitigations.

Developer Russell Johnson's ambitious plan to exceed 40 homes in Palmer Gulch faces fierce opposition from neighbors concerned about safety and access.

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1 day ago

Commission continues alternative-energy ordinance after public concerns about battery storage and firefighter safety After public testimony about a recent solar-site fire and unanswered questions about battery-storage risks and first-responder training, the Pennington County Commission continued proposed amendments to Section 3-17 (alternative energy systems) to May 19 to allow staff to add battery-storage rules and emergency-response provisions.

Pennington County is taking a hard look at solar safety after a recent fire raised urgent questions about battery storage and firefighter training.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #PenningtonCountyEnergy #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EnergyRegulations #FirefighterTraining

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1 day ago

Neighbors press concerns as county weighs variance to allow more units, emergency egress at Palmer Gulch Road A large public hearing over developer Russell Johnson's request to exceed the county's '40-unit' limit on a dead-end road and to record an emergency egress easement produced strong neighborhood opposition, legal questions about private easements and a continuation to May 19 for more negotiation and drafting.

A heated debate unfolds in Pennington County as developer Russell Johnson seeks to exceed the 40-unit cap on a dead-end road, facing fierce opposition from neighbors over safety and access concerns.

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1 week ago

County secures $294,500 bridge grant and approves multiple road‑maintenance contracts Pennington County received a $294,500 state bridge rehabilitation grant for Thunderhead Falls and approved a slate of annual road maintenance contracts including micro‑surface and aggregate awards; commissioners said the awards will help address accident-prone corridors.

Pennington County just secured a $294,500 grant to revitalize the Thunderhead Falls bridge, paving the way for safer roads and improved infrastructure!

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #InfrastructureImprovement #CitizenPortal #RoadSafety #GrantFunding #PenningtonCountyHighways

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1 week ago

Commissioners back MOU with Rapid City to simplify three-mile platting and approve twice-yearly ordinance cycle Pennington County staff will draft a memorandum of understanding with Rapid City to designate a single jurisdiction for plats bisected by the three-mile boundary; commissioners also supported moving to two ordinance-amendment cycles per year and several zoning clarifications.

Pennington County commissioners are taking action to simplify the planning process for developers by drafting a memorandum of understanding with Rapid City that could streamline platting requirements.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #StakeholderOutreach #ZoningReform #CitizenPortal

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1 week ago

Pennington County votes to actively enforce vacation-home rental ordinance, staff to consider compliance software After staff reported roughly 125 registered vacation rentals and an estimated 350'400 total listings, commissioners voted to direct staff to actively enforce the county's vacation-home rental ordinance and discussed buying data-mining software (roughly $13,000) to identify unregistered properties.

Pennington County commissioners are taking action to enforce vacation-home rental laws, revealing a shocking gap in registrations—are your neighbors operating illegally?

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1 month ago

Pennington County narrows where wind and solar can be sited, approving plan amendments 3'to' 2 After months of public meetings and a two-year review, the board amended the county comprehensive plan to direct wind and solar development toward industrial zones; commissioners split 3'to' 2 after heated public comment and discussion about property rights, safety and local control.

Pennington County's controversial decision to restrict wind and solar projects to industrial zones has sparked heated debates over property rights, safety, and the future of renewable energy.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #LandUsePlanning

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1 month ago

Planning commission approves comprehensive plan changes to address utility‑scale alternative energy The Pennington County Planning Commission voted Feb. 23 to approve two comprehensive plan amendments that direct utility‑scale wind and solar systems into industrial zoning and update implementation language; commissioners debated procedural history, environmental concerns, and FAA/military notification rules.

Pennington County is taking a bold step towards renewable energy by approving amendments that guide utility-scale wind and solar projects into industrial zones, but the debate over procedural concerns is heating up.

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1 month ago

Pennington County awards $2.94 million renovation contract for former administration building; bond authorization approved Commissioners awarded the construction contract for the 130 Kansas City Street renovation to the lowest responsive bidder (construction contract $2,937,250), approved an owner-held contingency of $188,300 and authorized bond-fund expenditures not to exceed $4,147,060; a $242,450 dispatch scope is to be funded separately from restricted 911 funds.

Pennington County is set to transform its former administration building after awarding a $2.94 million renovation contract amid discussions of cost-saving measures and funding strategies.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #PublicInfrastructure #CitizenPortal #PenningtonCountyBuildings

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2 months ago

Pennington County sheriff reports new federal and forest service funding, proposes 3% wage increase for deputies Sheriff Brian Mueller told commissioners Feb. 3 that recent meetings with federal and U.S. Forest Service representatives produced increased funding — including a $35,000 law‑enforcement contract payment — and proposed a 3% across‑the‑board wage increase for county law enforcement. Commissioners asked staff and HR to vet costs and deferred a vote.

Pennington County is on the verge of a major boost for law enforcement with new federal funding and a proposed 3% wage increase for deputies—will it be enough to retain our officers?

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2 months ago

Planning commission approves Highway 385 rezoning for TK Ranch resort despite floodplain concerns The Pennington County Planning Commission on Jan. 12 approved a comprehensive-plan amendment and rezone to commercial for TK Ranch (Tim and Kim McGriff) at 24150 Highway 385 to allow a horse/RV recreational resort. Staff recommended approval; commissioners and neighbors raised questions about floodway, evacuation and required floodplain permits.

Pennington County has given the green light for a new recreational resort at TK Ranch, but concerns about flood safety and evacuation plans loom large.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CommunityDevelopment #FloodplainManagement #PenningtonCountyRecreation #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Pennington County authorizes staff comments on Rapid City TIF application amid commissioner concerns After reviewing a proposed TIF for a former Phillips 66 site, commissioners asked staff to compile and transmit the board's comments to Rapid City, citing concerns over eligibility of items like landscaping and closing costs.

Pennington County commissioners are raising eyebrows over a controversial TIF application that could reshape a former service station site into a multifamily development.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #PenningtonCountyTIF #PublicFunding #EnvironmentalRemediation #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Pennington County backs letter supporting use of contractors' excise tax revenue for roads near Ellsworth Box Elder officials asked Pennington County to support legislation directing a portion of the state's 2% contractors excise tax from Ellsworth AFB construction to local roadway repairs; the board approved a letter of support and volunteered commissioners to testify in Pierre.

Pennington County is stepping up to ensure that millions from Ellsworth Air Force Base construction will help fix local roads, paving the way for safer travel and community growth.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CommunityDevelopment #InfrastructureImprovement #LegislativeSupport

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3 months ago

Pennington County boosts Rapid City library funding to $320,000 for 2026 after public outcry After weeks of citizen comment and commissioner review, the Pennington County Commission voted 4–1 to raise county support for Rapid City Public Library to a $320,000 package for 2026, drawing on the library reserve, the existing levy and contingency funds while commissioners plan longer‑term changes to the levy structure.

Pennington County Commissioners have voted to boost funding for the Rapid City Public Library to $320,000 for 2026 after passionate pleas from the community to protect vital services for working families.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CommunitySupport #PenningtonCountyLibrary

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3 months ago

After heated public hearing, Pennington County directs staff to steer utility‑scale solar and wind toward industrial zones Following several hours of public testimony for and against utility‑scale renewable projects, the Pennington County Commission voted 3–2 to direct staff to draft ordinance language that would restrict utility‑scale wind and solar to industrial zoning districts and continued the ordinance’s first reading to January for a staff redraft.

Pennington County is shifting gears on renewable energy, directing staff to limit utility-scale wind and solar projects to industrial zones after an emotional public hearing revealed deep divides in the community.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #RenewableEnergy #CommunityInvolvement

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4 months ago

County delays changes to right‑of‑way utility permitting after co-op concerns Pennington County deferred changes to a right‑of‑way ordinance (Ordinance 11) after West River Electric and others raised concerns that new permit and subcontractor language could create reliability or emergency-response problems; commissioners asked staff and utilities to meet and the board continued the item to the second meeting in January.

Pennington County is hitting pause on a controversial ordinance that could impact electric utility reliability and emergency responses after significant pushback from local co-ops.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CommunityCollaboration #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureReform

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4 months ago

Pennington County rejects expanded towing rule for snow events, seeks statute changes County commissioners debated new rules to remove vehicles during snow events and to authorize towing inside section-line rights of way. The state’s attorney warned the county that its legal authority is limited and urged use of abandoned‑vehicle statutes; commissioners denied the proposed amendments and asked staff to pursue statutory changes and stronger public outreach instead.

Pennington County commissioners are navigating a snowy dilemma as they reject new towing rules, opting instead for a more strategic approach to keep roads clear and safe during winter storms.

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4 months ago

Residents urge full library funding as county, Rapid City negotiate contract and reserves A public commenter pressed Pennington County commissioners to restore full library funding for 2026; county staff say they are negotiating annual contract language with Rapid City and smaller libraries and will return with a proposal Dec. 16 after clarifying which parcels pay the library levy and how reserves should be used.

Residents are rallying for full library funding as Pennington County navigates negotiations for 2026 amid heated public comments and critical discussions.

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4 months ago

Commission awards bridge-preservation contracts, adopts 96,500‑lb spring-load limit and sets local speed limits The county awarded contracts for four bridge‑preservation projects after low bids came in significantly below engineer estimates, adopted a 96,500‑pound gross‑vehicle‑weight spring‑load limit, and approved new speed limits for Antelope Creek Road and South Rockford Road.

Pennington County is making major strides in infrastructure by awarding contracts for bridge-preservation projects that came in over half a million dollars under budget!

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #PenningtonCountyHighways #CommunityPlanning #RoadSafety

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4 months ago

Pennington County approves letter of intent to sell downtown administration building to Elevate Rapid City The commission authorized a letter of intent for Elevate Rapid City to purchase the county's 14 E Saint Joseph Street building and begin due diligence, with Elevate and the School of Mines planning a downtown innovation corridor; a formal purchase agreement and closing remain subject to further approvals and 45–60 business days of drafting and due diligence.

Pennington County is set to sell its downtown administration building to Elevate Rapid City, paving the way for a groundbreaking innovation corridor that could create hundreds of new jobs!

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #UrbanRenewal #CitizenPortal #CommunityJobs

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4 months ago

Residents urge Pennington County to restore Rapid City Public Library funding as negotiations continue Multiple residents and library advocates urged the county to reverse proposed cuts to the Rapid City Public Library during public comment; commissioners said they are renegotiating contracts and reviewing a roughly $197,000 library fund balance while seeking additional data before making final budget decisions.

Residents are rallying to save the Rapid City Public Library from drastic funding cuts that could jeopardize vital resources for low-income families and students.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #PublicAccess #EducationSupport #CommunityResources #PenningtonCountyLibrary

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4 months ago

Pennington County holds lengthy hearing on draft alternative-energy rules as appraisal office details tax effects County commissioners heard hours of testimony on a proposed ordinance regulating large solar and wind projects; Department of Equalization explained how nameplate and production taxes flow to county and school funds and how that affects state aid. The board continued the hearing to Dec. 16 and scheduled public forums.

Pennington County is at a crossroads with a new draft ordinance for large-scale solar and wind projects, stirring passionate debates on community protections and environmental safeguards.

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5 months ago

Planning commission approves Yarrow Tech solar and wind conditional-use permits after update and public comment The Pennington County Planning Commission approved conditional-use permit reviews for Yarrow Techs utility-scale energy projects (COCUR24-0022 and COCUR24-0023) after a company update and extended public comment. The company said it had established a federal tax-credit "safe harbor," resolved a transmission right-of-way issue with the regional and

The Pennington County Planning Commission has greenlit Yarrow Tech's ambitious solar and wind projects, but concerns about land use and environmental impact continue to simmer among locals.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #PublicComment #PenningtonCountyEnergy

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5 months ago

Votes at a glance: Pennington County Planning Commission actions, Oct. 14, 2025 The Planning Commission approved several consent and review items, added screening to a storage permit, approved a home‑based firearms CUP, approved a rezone and a lot‑line adjustment, and continued several major land‑use items to Oct. 27.

The Pennington County Planning Commission made pivotal decisions on land use and permits, including a controversial home-based firearms business approval and significant rezone requests.

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5 months ago

Pennington County ends Rapid City library contract, votes to renegotiate all county library agreements The Pennington County Commission voted to terminate its contract with the Rapid City Public Library and to cancel and renegotiate three other library contracts after months of budget debate and public comments about service levels and funding equity.

In a bold move, the Pennington County Board has voted to terminate its contract with the Rapid City Public Library amidst budget debates, sparking a wave of renegotiations for all county library agreements.

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5 months ago

Pennington County appraiser explains state property-tax changes and task force deliberations Shannon Ritberger, director of equalization, briefed the commission on 2024 state law changes that cap county growth in owner-occupied property valuations at 3% per year, redefine 'new growth', and expand the elderly assessment freeze; she also described a statewide property-tax task force meeting scheduled to make recommendations to the 2026 legis

Pennington County is bracing for major shifts in property tax assessments and caps that could reshape local budgets and impact homeowners like never before.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #ElderlySupport #PenningtonCountyPropertyTax #PropertyAssessment #TaxationReform

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5 months ago

Commission extends county moratorium on utility‑scale wind and solar for one year amid heated debate After more than an hour of public testimony and lengthy discussion, the Pennington County Board of Commissioners voted to extend a temporary zoning moratorium on utility‑scale alternative energy projects for one year while planning staff and the Planning Commission continue ordinance revisions.

The Pennington County Board has voted to extend a controversial moratorium on utility-scale solar and wind projects for another year, igniting intense debate among residents and stakeholders.

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5 months ago

Commission approves grant application to add juvenile caseworker in public defender’s office The board authorized submission of an OJJDP grant to add a juvenile-focused caseworker in the public defender’s office to provide wraparound services and track outcomes for juvenile clients; the motion passed 3–2 amid questions about sustainability after the grant ends.

Pennington County is taking a bold step towards improving juvenile justice by applying for a grant to fund a dedicated caseworker that could transform the lives of at-risk youth.

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5 months ago

Planning commission delays vote on alternative‑energy ordinance after hours of testimony Pennington County's proposed alternative‑energy ordinance drew hours of public comment on Oct. 14; commissioners continued ordinance OA 25‑16 to Oct. 27 and noted the Board of Commissioners will consider a moratorium extension on Oct. 21.

Pennington County's proposed alternative-energy ordinance faced intense public scrutiny, leading to a delay after hours of passionate testimony from concerned citizens about its impact on agriculture and wildlife.

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