The Minutes state: Discussed that research was completed through the Secretary of State office and the Custer County Treasure’s office. This research showed that the Road District is not authorized to have fund raising methods outside of the Road District Levey’s placed upon landowners. Any fund raiding events cannot be endorsed by the Saddleback Road…
One of the biggest sources of confusion surrounding South Dakota road districts is this: A road district is not a private neighborhood club. It is not a homeowners association.It is not a private board of volunteers managing shared amenities.And it is not a social committee that gets to “do what seems reasonable.” A road district…
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: These are budget and operational matters that go well beyond the stated…
One of the most common responses whenever concerns are raised about the Saddleback Road District is: “The current board is reasonable.” Or: “These trustees would never abuse their authority.” But the history of this district itself demonstrates exactly why government cannot operate based solely on trust in individuals. People change. Boards change. Circumstances change. Bias…
Question- Will it take Dale Ruzicka the full 10 days to respond to a simple public records request? YES!!!! Why? …Because that’s how long he has. It’s a power play. The request made was incredibly simple. We are not talking about a huge office with lots of files and limited staff. There are 3 people…
Dale Ruzicka, PresidentMatt Christensen, SecretaryCrystal Farrokhi, Treasurer Saddleback Road District Board of Trustees Date: May 19, 2026 Re: Formal Objection to Violations of Open Meetings Law at the May 5, 2026 Annual Meeting Dear Mr. Ruzicka, Mr. Christensen, Mrs. Farrokhi I am writing to formally object to actions taken at the Saddleback Road District Annual…
One of the clearest examples of why statutory limits exist occurred when a sitting Saddleback Road District trustee was removed during a private board meeting with no notice to district members. Under South Dakota law, public office does not become vacant simply because the remaining trustees decide they no longer want someone on the board….
One of the most frustrating responses to concerns about the Saddleback Road District has been: “Who cares? The roads are better.” Or: “I support what the board is doing.” But this issue was never primarily about whether someone likes the current trustees or agrees with their decisions. It is about something much larger: whether government…
The recent district-wide email from SBRD President Dale Ruzicka regarding private MgCl dust-control applications raises important questions about: The email states that: The message also specifies: 1. The Most Important Question: Is This Within the Purpose of a Road District? Under:South Dakota Codified Laws § 31-12A road districts exist for limited statutory purposes involving: They…
One of the recurring concerns in the Saddleback Road District records is not merely what decisions are being made, but when they are actually being made. In the contractor proposal discussed at the 2026 meeting, the available records appear to show: This creates a serious transparency problem. The issue is not simply the date written…
You cannot copy content of this page