A county can collect millions of dollars for ten years through fees that have no basis in state law. Yet, their likely defense is simple: “We thought we were doing it right.” This is the central flaw in South Dakota’s oversight system. The defense of “good faith error”—often used as a legal shield—means that as…
In a healthy county, when two people who have actually seen the “sausage being made” come forward with documented evidence of illegal bylaws and unauthorized taxes, we call them whistleblowers. In the “Closed Loop” of our county, we call them “annoyed troublemakers.” Our local State’s Attorney has apparently pioneered a bold new legal theory: If…
In our previous post, we exposed the “Good Standing” scam—how local road boards use illegal bylaws to block landowners from running for office, in direct violation of SDCL 31-12A-1.1. But there is a much larger question: Where are the adults in the room? In XXXXX County, the “Closed Loop” isn’t just about a rogue road…
In South Dakota, the path to serving your community on a road district board is defined by state law—not by the personal feelings of the current trustees. However, as we enter the 2026 election cycle, we are seeing some boards attempt to use “Good Standing” clauses in their bylaws as a filter to keep critics…
There is no single federal law governing the public record status of police body and dashcam footage, resulting in a complex patchwork of state laws. National Landscape States with Noteworthy Access Laws State Access Policy Detail California Considers footage a public record; generally requires release within 45 days of a recorded incident. Colorado Mandates release…
Why a SD Road District is Your New Best Friend. Have you ever looked at your neighbors and thought, “I’d love to tax these people, but I don’t want the hassle of actually being ‘elected’ or ‘accountable’?” Well, pull up a chair, patriot! I’ve discovered the greatest legal “glitch” in the 605: The South Dakota…
When a private citizen makes a mistake on their taxes, the government doesn’t say, “Oh well, you thought you were doing it right.” They send a bill, they add interest, and they threaten a lien. But when a County Auditor certifies millions of dollars in unauthorized “Special Maintenance Fees” for a special district, the defense…
When the Auditor, Commissioners, and State’s Attorney collectively refuse to address documented statutory violations, the “Closed Loop” has moved from a neighborhood board to a county-level systemic failure. In South Dakota, the path forward shifts from requesting action to compelling it through higher authorities or the court system. 1. Compelling Action: The Writ of Mandamus…
In South Dakota, every county has an elected official whose job is defined by a simple, yet critical, mandate: to ensure the rule of law is upheld within that county’s borders. This official is the State’s Attorney. The role is not about politics; it is about the law. The State’s Attorney is a public prosecutor…
The table below clarifies which districts have the authority to impose a general tax (Levy) and which can use a special assessment (for new improvements). The authority to use a specific, annual “Maintenance Fee” is highly restricted. District Type General Levy Power Special Assessment Power (New Construction) Annual Maintenance Fee Authority (per SDCL 9-43-138) Road…