SD Association of County Officials

Founded in the 1950′s and Incorporated in 1991, the South Dakota Association of County Officials is geared toward promoting the general welfare of county officials and to establish more uniform methods of procedure in those county offices. Our goal is to serve in an advisory capacity to the Legislature on matters of county administration and procedure.

Badlands of SD

Mount Rushmore

Pheasant

SDACO Continuing Education Certification Portal

History of South Dakota County Government

South Dakota State Capital BuildingThe Local Arm of the State

South Dakota is divided into sixty-six counties which range in population from 124,000 in Minnehaha to 1,300 people in Jones County. Most of the current county boundaries were originally established in the middle and latter part of the nineteenth century, and some in the early part of the twentieth century. At one time, South Dakota consisted of many more counties than the present day sixty-six. But, as the mode of transportation improved in South Dakota it became easier to travel to the county seat and the population shifted.

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SD Association of County Officials Policy Statement

Service to the Public
The first goal of county officials is to provide fair, efficient service to all our citizens.
1.  We believe we must always be fair and courteous to everyone who seeks the services of our offices.
2.  We will continue to take pride in our work and will always strive to do better and make improvements.
3.  County officials believe in employing the most qualified people for their positions, regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, or political affiliation, and recognize that discrimination is a problem that should be dealt with.
4.  We strongly urge each county to make every effort to comply with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which provides access to county services and employment opportunities to all South Dakotans.

Services Offered by the SD Association of County Officials

  • We advise the South Dakota Legislature on matters relating to county administration and procedure.
  • We hold multiple annual training sessions bringing State officers and technical experts into direct dialogue with county officials, for cutting-edge professional expertise.
  • We help to inform the public about County services.
  • With these training and communication services SDACO helps ensure the successful management of county government in South Dakota!

Join SD Association of County Officals as an Associate Member!

Benefits of Associate Membership include:

  • A listing in and subscription to our electronic newsletter, South Dakota County News, our monthly newsletter
  • A listing and link on our website
  • A free copy of our bi-annual County Officials Spotlight Directory, which includes contact information and pictures for SDACO members
  • Free registration to Spring Workshop
  • 25% off Spring Workshop Booth Rental
  • 25% Discount on Advertising in the SD County News
  • Your company name included on the Associate Member Banner to be located at all SDACO event