Pennington County Administration Hours of Operation Study

Study Overview

Pennington County is reviewing the hours and days of operation for the Administration Building.

This study will help us understand how current hours are working—for both the public and County employees—and whether changes could make services more accessible, efficient, and aligned with community needs. Any potential adjustments will also take into account what’s operationally sustainable and fiscally responsible for the County. Updates approved by the Board of Commissioners would go into effect on a date determined by the findings and Commissioners' decisions.

Latest Updates

April 2025: Phase 1 is underway and includes internal planning and early data collection.
May 2025: Phase 2 is underway and listening sessions begin May 12, 2025 at the Commission Chambers. See the full Schedule below.

Why It Matters

We want to ensure our hours of operation reflect the realities of the people we serve—and the people who work here.

By reviewing current workflows, service usage, and public feedback, we’re taking a data-driven approach to better serve our community while maintaining a positive, balanced workplace.

How to Stay Involved

Your voice matters. Here’s how to participate:

Submit Feedback – Share your experience with current hours and what you'd like to see.
Attend a Listening Session – Listening sessions will be held on various dates at different locations to ensure your voice is heard. See dates below:

May 12, 2025 | 5:30pm–6:30pm — Pennington County Commission Chambers, 130 Kansas City St., Rapid City, SD 57701
May 20, 2025 | 5:30pm–6:30pm — Pennington County Commission Chambers, 130 Kansas City St., Rapid City, SD 57701
May 28, 2025 | 5:00pm–6:00pm — Keystone Community Center, 1101 Madill St., Keystone, SD 57751
June 2, 2025 | 5:00pm–6:00pm — Box Elder Community Center, 420 Villa Dr., Box Elder, SD 57719
June 9, 2025 | 5:00pm–6:00pm — Wall Community Center, 501 Main St., Wall, SD 57790
June 18, 2025 | 5:00pm–6:00pm — Hill City Center, 227 Walnut Ave., Hill City, SD 57745
June 24, 2025 | 5:00pm–6:00pm — New Underwood Community Center, 500 South A Ave., New Underwood, SD 57761

Follow us on Facebook – As the study progresses, we will post any updates or new information on our Facebook page.

What are the current hours of the Pennington County Administration Building?

How are decisions being made?

Decisions about potential changes to the hours and days of operation are being made through a careful, multi-phase study process that includes planning, data collection, stakeholder engagement, and analysis.

Throughout the study, we are:

Gathering input from both citizens and County employees through focus groups, surveys, and public meetings.
Reviewing usage data from the Administration Building, including patterns in foot traffic and service requests.
Comparing our schedule to other counties of similar size to identify trends and best practices.
Analyzing how potential changes might impact staffing, costs, services, and community access.

Once this information is collected and reviewed, a set of recommendations will be developed and presented to the Pennington County Board of Commissioners. The Commissioners will consider the findings and public input before making any final decisions.

No changes will be implemented without formal approval from the Board of Commissioners, ensuring the process remains transparent, accountable, and aligned with the County’s mission to serve the public effectively.

Why are you doing this study?

Pennington County is committed to providing the best possible service to its citizens while also supporting a productive and sustainable work environment for its employees.

This study was launched to take a closer look at how the current hours and days of operation at the Administration Building are working—for everyone. We’re examining whether the current schedule is accessible for the public, efficient for County operations, and supportive of employee work-life balance.

By gathering data, comparing practices with similar counties, and listening to input from both citizens and staff, we aim to make informed, balanced decisions. Any changes will be based on what best supports public service, operational effectiveness, and employee wellness.

Ultimately, this is about being responsive, data-driven, and thoughtful in how we serve our community—now and into the future.

Where can I find the latest information?

The most up-to-date information about the study will always be available right here on this webpage. We’ll post updates, upcoming public input opportunities, and any decisions as they happen.

In addition to this page, you can stay informed through:

Social media – Follow Pennington County on Facebook for key announcements and reminders.
Local news outlets – Press releases will be shared with area media to help spread the word.
Public meetings – Attend town halls or Board of Commissioners meetings where study updates and recommendations may be discussed.

We’re committed to keeping this process transparent, and we encourage you to check back often so you never miss important information.