BOX ELDER — The Box Elder City Council approved the hiring of Henry “Hank” Prim as city administrator with an initial salary of $155,669.07 during its May 19 meeting. Prim is set to start June 15.
Meeting agendas and minutes reviewed did not include discussion of City Administrator Doug Curry’s retirement or departure. City officials said there was no formal presentation of his retirement to the council. Curry has served as city administrator since 2024.
Western Dakota Regional Water System Executive Director Kristin Conzet updated the council on the organization’s next steps and thanked the city for its support. The organization is planning long-term water infrastructure projects and studying future water supply needs for communities across western South Dakota.
Conzet said the WDRWS is conducting a pre-feasibility study for a proposed regional pipeline, though the project remains in the early planning stages. She also said the organization plans to launch a public education campaign in November explaining water needs and technical concepts.
Economic Development Manager Mark O’Loughlen said the city was awarded a $5,000 Tourism Advertising Promotion grant from the South Dakota Department of Tourism to promote the city’s Salute to Ellsworth event in September. The council approved the grant agreement.
O’Loughlen said the grant will greatly increase marketing reach and participation in the annual event.
During the mayor’s report, Larson said he attended the Special Olympics Torch Run on May 14 and the LIV Hospitality Gala on May 15.
Due to the primary election on June 2, the next Box Elder City Council meeting is Wednesday, June 3 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
