STURGIS, S.D. – The rising costs of replacing, repairing and maintaining road infrastructure in Meade County has been an ongoing battle that sometimes pits users against regulating bodies such as the Meade County Commission.
A proposed ordinance to require an additional permit fee (in some instances) to haul equipment, grain, hay, livestock and other commodities – with weight loads that are over established limits that are posted for all Meade County roads – is one such example.
County residents have been quick to push back.
“The point is, those of us living in the country don’t travel roads when muddy and postpone travel until roads dry out. We care for our environment including roads, equipment & livestock,” said Mary Ellen Cammack. “The bad actors (usually bypassing scales) will continue. The proposed permit simply adds a burden to Meade County residents and staff. But especially those in production agriculture.”
Meade County rancher Gary Deering is the chair of the Meade County Commission. He said the revised ordinance is very different version from what was presented at the October 12, 2025 commission meeting.
Deering is referencing the upcoming Tuesday, October 14, 2025 meeting of the Meade County Commission where there will be a second reading of a revised Ordinance 59. Revisions such as an annual permit versus a single-use permit; and establishing specific roads (Deering says approximately 15) where the additional paid permit would apply.
Rancher and business owner Reed Cammack, Union Center, S.D., has been following the issue closely.
Cammack said he will study the revised language in the ordinance once it becomes available on the Meade County Commission’ website sometime in the afternoon of Friday, October 10, 2025.
Both he and Deering agree on one thing. There are no easy answers for a cash-strapped county with thousands of miles of roads to maintain.