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This effort is no longer the work of one person. It hasn’t been for a while. Over time, people have quietly contributed documents, screenshots, statute research, public records, meeting minutes, questions, photographs, historical records, and their own experiences. Some have asked questions of government offices. Others have simply helped verify facts. Every contribution matters. You…

The Saddleback Road District board frequently uses the word “transparency.” Good. Transparency is important. But transparency is not a slogan. It is a process. It means open meetings, proper notice, accurate minutes, public records, and decisions made where the public can see them. This district has already experienced an Open Meetings Commission reprimand. That history…

At the May 26, 2026 Special Meeting, the Saddleback Road District Trustees voted to hire outside legal counsel and increase the District’s legal budget. According to the meeting minutes, the reason was two public information requests submitted by a district member. The Board subsequently engaged the law firm of Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore and…

The financial update presented at the May 26, 2026 Special Meeting contained a noteworthy budget change. The Board increased the Admin/Legal budget category from $1,500 to $2,500 for: “anticipated legal consultations with GPNA Law Firm, Rapid City.” At the same meeting, the Trustees stated that they had discussed two public information requests before deciding to…

South Dakota’s public records law is straightforward. When a citizen submits a written records request, the public records officer must respond within ten business days. The response can provide the records, deny the request with a written explanation, or acknowledge the request and provide an estimate of the additional time needed to respond. What the…

Here’s a clear and accurate summary of how South Dakota courts have applied Dillon’s Rule, based on available case law: South Dakota’s Application of Dillon’s Rule South Dakota follows Dillon’s Rule and applies it with relative strictness to local governments, including counties, municipalities, and special districts like road districts. Key Cases Implications for Road Districts…

A question that every trustee should ask before spending public money is a simple one: Is this a Road District issue, or is it a personal issue? That distinction matters. Road districts exist for specific purposes established by statute. They are not general-purpose governments, and they are not personal defense funds for elected officials. Imagine…

The Saddleback Road District recently held a Special Meeting on May 26, 2026. As always, residents should compare three things: When those three things do not align, questions naturally follow. Executive Sessions Are Not Separate Meetings Perhaps the most concerning item in the minutes appears at the very end: “K. Motion for adjournment of Open…

“There was further discussion of rising costs of contracted materials (gravel), and machine rates. The frequency of maintenance and the volume of gravel top coating have been reduced in recent years in order to “stretch” annual budgets. There will be further discussion in October during an open meeting to discuss setting of the Road District…

Is this an issue we should expect our state senator or reps to weigh in on? Should we mention this to them? Yes, this is absolutely something you should bring to your state senator and representative. Why You Should Contact Them How to Frame It When Contacting Them Keep it professional and principle-based – Good…