Analysis of the Agenda vs. Minutes

The agenda item was: G. Resource and Revenue generation methods – Secretary

This is a fairly narrow and vague topic. A reasonable person reading the agenda would expect discussion about possible fundraising, donations, or alternative revenue ideas – not a detailed discussion about:

• Rising costs of gravel and machine rates
• Reduced frequency of maintenance and gravel volume to “stretch” budgets
• Future plans for setting the 2027 “levy”

These are budget and operational matters that go well beyond the stated agenda item.

Why This Matters (Legal Perspective)

Under SDCL 1-25-1 (Open Meetings Law):

• The public is entitled to reasonable notice of the matters to be discussed.
• Public bodies are generally expected to stick to the posted agenda.
• Adding significant new topics (especially financial/budget issues) without proper notice can constitute a violation.

This is particularly problematic because:

• Budget and levy discussions directly affect landowners’ wallets.
• The board had already been publicly reprimanded by the Open Meetings Commission for previous violations.
• They continue to show a pattern of loose compliance with the law.