Codington County Commission Approves HR Contract Renewal, Wage Scale Updates and Defense Support Coordinator Job Description

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Codington County Commission approved several human resources and administrative updates Tuesday morning, including a revised job description, an updated wage scale, and the county’s annual HR services contract.

Defense Support Coordinator Job Description Updated

Human Resources Director Natalie Remund presented revisions to the job description for the Defense Support Coordinator, a position previously approved under the title Pre‑trial Case Manager within Community Services.

Remund said the updated title more accurately reflects the role’s purpose: assisting court‑appointed attorneys with coordination tasks that do not require attorney involvement. The change avoids confusion with “pre‑trial” terminology, which can imply enforcement responsibilities.

The revised description also clarifies that the position is non‑exempt and hourly, correcting an earlier clerical error that listed it as salaried.

Commissioner Lee Gabel moved to approve the updated description, with Commissioner Tyler McElhany seconding. The motion passed unanimously.

Wage Scale Updated to Reflect New and Revised Positions

The board next approved updates to the county wage scale. Remund noted two changes:

·         Pay Grade AA now includes the newly created Appraiser Assistant position in the Equalization Office.

·         Pay Grade 40 reflects the updated title Defense Support Coordinator, replacing the former Pre‑trial Case Manager listing.

Commissioners approved the revised wage scale without discussion.

HR Contract Renewed for 2026–2027

The commission also approved the county’s updated Human Resources services contract, effective July 1, 2026 through July 1, 2027.

Remund said the revisions include:

·         Updated language clarifying the scope of HR and labor negotiation services

·         Removal of references to the discontinued TCP time‑keeping system

·         Replacement of those references with ADP, which the county adopted earlier this year

·         A 3% rate increase for contracted HR services

Chairman Troy VanDusen noted for the public record that the contract sets a flat fee of $5,665 per month for HR services.

Commissioner Gabel moved to approve the contract, with McElhany seconding. The motion carried unanimously.