What are some unexpected challenges when first elected to a volunteer office in South Dakota?

The following seems rather obvious to many of us, but apparently was not obvious to the Apple Dumpling Gang. You may recall they told the Open Meeting Commission that they thought this would be easy and that they knew nothing about the requirements to follow the law. So, I thought I’d share this for the people who actually want to serve their community, and are not just looking at a position on a board as a social step or power play.

When first elected to a volunteer office in South Dakota, you may encounter several unexpected challenges beyond the expected time commitment: 

• Navigating Complex Legal Requirements: A major unexpected challenge is the strict adherence required to South Dakota’s open meeting and public record laws. Violations, even unintentional ones, can result in reprimands from the Open Meetings Commission or even misdemeanor charges. New officials often struggle with the nuances of proper meeting notification (agendas posted at least 24 hours in advance), appropriate reasons for going into executive session, and ensuring all discussions and votes happen in public.
• The Power Imbalance and Limited Personal Authority: You will quickly learn that authority lies only in the official action of the board as a whole; you have no legal authority to act alone. You cannot make unilateral decisions or give orders to municipal or county staff. You must work within the consensus of the body, which can be frustrating if you ran on a specific, immediate change.
• Managing Conflicts of Interest in Small Communities: In South Dakota’s smaller communities, it is highly probable that you will have personal or business relationships with people impacted by your decisions. Deciding when a personal connection constitutes a legal conflict of interest that requires recusal is complex and often requires careful consideration and guidance from legal counsel (like a city or county attorney).
• Dealing with Negative Political Dynamics and Personal Attacks: While campaigns for volunteer roles are generally low-key, once elected, you become a public figure subject to scrutiny, criticism, and sometimes personal attacks. The “public servant” role can be challenging when you encounter belligerent or disrespectful comments in public meetings or online, and navigating these without resorting to personal retaliation requires discipline.
• Bureaucracy and “Red Tape”: You may find that implementing innovative ideas is hindered by existing bureaucracy, ingrained procedures, and “red tape”. Career staff, while valuable for their institutional knowledge, may be resistant to change or new ideas due to a culture of fear or demoralization from past budget cuts and staffing issues.
• Talent and Resource Gaps: Local governments, especially in rural areas, often face permanent fiscal stress and a “talent crisis” due to retirements and difficulty recruiting skilled professionals. You may find your policy innovations are futile without the necessary staff talent and resources to execute them effectively.
• Information Overload and the Pace of Government: The sheer volume of information, reports, and background materials you need to review before each meeting is substantial. The pace of government decision-making is often slow, which can be a difficult adjustment for those used to faster-paced environments. 

By being aware of these potential challenges, you can better prepare to serve your community effectively and with integrity.