June 24, 2026 | Continuation of Pennington County Board of Commissioners Budget Hearing

The Pennington County Board of Commissioners held a budget hearing continuation on June 24, 2026, focusing on departmental budget presentations and procurement-related updates. Key procurement discussions included the Highway Department's plan to purchase two new blades for road maintenance, a vacuum broom to replace aging equipment, and a steel modular bridge for installation on Tras Road. The department also discussed a $1.25 million cost-share agreement with the City of Box Elder to offload certain roads. The Buildings and Grounds Department highlighted capital projects including a potential new highway shop facility pending land acquisition from the Forest Service, and requested funding for equipment and fleet maintenance. The 911 Dispatch Center presented a budget with a significant portion allocated to radio console upgrades and infrastructure maintenance, including plans to purchase AI software to handle non-emergency calls, offsetting one full-time employee. The Fire Department outlined capital requests for apparatus replacement and safety equipment, emphasizing grant funding needs. Discussions also covered fleet management challenges, utility cost increases, and software procurement considerations. Commissioners addressed budget balancing challenges, emphasizing the need for efficiency and strategic spending. No formal votes or contract awards were recorded during this session, but multiple procurement plans and budget allocations were detailed for upcoming fiscal years.