CUSTER, S.D. – The City of Custer City Common Council met on September 2, 2025, for a special meeting and a regular council meeting, addressing the 2026 budget, water infrastructure, and local road projects in the Black Hills.
The special council meeting began at 4 p.m. for a work session on the 2026 budget and concluded at 5:25 p.m.. The regular meeting started at 5:33 p.m.. Both meetings were called to order by Mayor Robert Brown. Council members Pechota, Jenniges, Ryan, Fischer, and Whittaker were present at both sessions.
During the regular meeting, the council approved a resolution to apply for a South Dakota Small Community Planning Grant to fund a water study project for the city’s water system. The grant, administered by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, reimburses up to 80% of the cost of engineering studies, with a maximum of $8,000 for water system studies. The city agreed to provide the remaining local match from cash funds. The council also approved a Surface Water Discharge Permit renewal application.
The council approved several items, including a request to close South Seventh Street for a “Classic Car Trunk or Treat” event on October 31, 2025. They also approved a minor plat for the Austin Tract West and Austin Tract East of the Needles View Subdivision. A proposal from Jorgensen Log Homes for log replacement and repairs at the Grace Coolidge Log Building for $99,200 was also accepted.
Additionally, the council approved two ordinances on their first reading: Ordinance #935 – Water Off Reduction and Ordinance #937-2026 Appropriation Ordinance.
The council went into an executive session from 5:54 p.m. to 7 p.m. to discuss personnel, proposed/pending litigation, and contract negotiations, with no action taken. Upon returning to the regular session, the council approved a step increase for an employee, Todd Waldron, to $26.50 per hour. The meeting was adjourned at 7:01 p.m..
The council approved a claims list totaling $239,158.03, which included payroll for city departments and payments to various vendors, such as Black Hills Energy, Dacotah Bank, and Battle Mountain Humane Society.