As the heart of governance and community leadership, the City of Box Elder Administration is dedicated to serving the needs of our residents and fostering a city that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. Our administrative team is committed to transparent and open communication, ensuring that you have access to the information you need about city policies, initiatives, and services. Here, you'll find resources that provide insights into the workings of our city government, updates on ongoing projects, and opportunities for community involvement. The City of Box Elder is proud of its rich heritage and the vibrant community that makes it a special place to live, work, and play. Our administration works diligently to address the needs of our residents and businesses while planning for the future growth and sustainability of our city. Feel free to explore the various sections of this page to learn more about our administrative team, city ordinances, public meetings, and other essential services. We encourage you to get involved, attend community events, and share your feedback as we work together to make Box Elder an even better place to call home.

Hank Prim
City Administrator

Hank serves as the City Administrator, where he leads city operations and ensures Box Elder continues to be a great place to call home, go to work, grow a business, and spend time. Before coming to Box Elder, Hank worked as a Special Agent and Supervisory Special Agent with the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). Much of his work focused on helping people and organizations navigate complex problems, make sound decisions, and work together across local, state, tribal, and federal lines. While at DCI, he also served as the State Law Enforcement Training Administrator and State Police Officer Standards & Training (POST) Director, where he led training, certification, compliance, and professional standards efforts for South Dakota’s police officers and telecommunicators. Hank holds a master’s degree from the University of San Diego, a graduate certificate from the University of Virginia, and a bachelor’s degree from Hillsdale College. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the U.S. Department of Justice’s prestigious flagship executive leadership program for senior public safety officials. Hank is excited to be part of Box Elder during such an important time in the city’s growth. He looks forward to helping the City plan ahead, support employees, provide excellent services, and meet the needs and expectations of those who call the city home.

 

Mark O'Loughlen
Economic Development Manager

Mark O'Loughlen, a native of eastern South Dakota, brings over a decade of experience in city and county government to his role in the City of Box Elder’s Economic Development department. Throughout his career, Mark has built a diverse skill set, having owned a successful business in the hospitality industry and worked in sales for both a Fortune 500 company and a regional technology firm. His passion for community growth and development is rooted in his deep ties to the region and his commitment to fostering sustainable economic opportunities. Mark also serves on the board of directors for the Black Hills Children's Museum and the Black Hills and Badlands Tourism Association Board.

 

Robert Connell
Police Chief

Bob relocated to Box Elder from the state of Missouri where he gained more than 22 years of municipal government experience while serving as a Police Chief, City Manager and Emergency Management Director. He sincerely loves public service and believes that in order to be effective one must establish relationships that build trust in the community. He is a dedicated servant leader who promotes safety, wellness and quality of life enhancement. He strives to sustain department credibility through leading a transparent, accountable, and professional police agency while promoting selfless service. Bob holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications/Public Relations from Southwest Baptist University, a master’s degree in Behavioral Sciences – Sociology/Criminal Justice from Lincoln University and a Certificate in Law Enforcement Administration from the University of Virginia. Bob is a graduate of the Missouri Police Chief’s Command College and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy. He is also a retired combat veteran from the U.S. Army where he served for nearly 25 years. Bob is committed to providing the highest quality of professional law enforcement service and is both excited and proud to call Box Elder his home. He is looking forward to serving this great, growing community!

Bruce Martin
Director of Public Works

Bruce joins the city of Box Elder with 28 years of Public Works experience. He holds a degree in Environmental Management and has provided service and leadership in various Public Works positions with a special passion for water and wastewater utility management. As the Public Works Director, Bruce is dedicated to ensuring that reliable, sustainable infrastructure and essential services are available for the community while being a dedicated steward of our resources. After serving in the military, Bruce has called the western United States home for the past three decades. He is grateful to be a part of the Box Elder team and the community.

Scott Lange
City Engineer

A highly experienced civil engineer, Scott joins the City of Box Elder with more than 30 years in the engineering business.  With passion for client service, he has led many public and private projects over the course of his career as an engineering consultant.  His duties included serving client cities as their city engineer as well as managing large multi-disciplined rail served industrial projects.  Scott leads the City’s efforts to build enduring and sustainable public infrastructure.  Scott is a graduate of North Dakota State University and started his career as a Civil Engineer Corps Officer in the United States Navy.

Lauralee Patton
Planning & Zoning Director

Lauralee is a native of Wyoming and brings over a decade of dedicated experience in management to her role as the Planning & Zoning Director. She is responsible for guiding and overseeing a range of critical functions that shape the future of Box Elder. Her responsibilities include long-range and current planning initiatives, overseeing building services, and ensuring effective code enforcement. Under her leadership, Box Elder's planning and zoning efforts are characterized by a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the preservation of the community's unique character. Lauralee's professional credentials include Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) designation, American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), and certification as a Building Inspector. She holds a bachelor's degree in Geography, which has equipped her with a strong foundation in understanding the intricacies of urban planning and development. Her passion for enhancing the quality of life for the community's residents and her unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service are the cornerstones of her professional journey.

Renee Baker
Finance Officer

Renee Baker joins the City of Box Elder with nearly a decade of local government experience and expertise in Finance and Human Resources. A Black Hills native, Renee holds a degree in Business Administration, is a Certified Compensation Analyst, and is a certified professional with the Public Sector HR Association. She brings a strong background in budgeting and financial management. As the Finance Officer, Renee leads the city's day-to-day financial operations, including budgeting and compliance, while ensuring financial transparency and efficiency.

Darcie Castleberry
Human Resource Director

As a certified Human Resources professional, Darcie has over 30 years of experience in human resources, business management and accounting. She holds a Master of Business Administration and has successfully created Human Resource departments in various industries from the grassroots level. Her passion lies in encouraging a team culture and a thriving environment while ensuring her work lines up with the organization’s mission, vision and values. One of her favorite mottos she takes to heart is ‘hire hard and manage easy’. As the Human Resources Director, Darcie is dedicated to bringing professionalism, integrity and excellent customer service to the City of Box Elder through the Human Resources department. Darcie has experienced life in various areas of the United States, and she is blessed to be part of the Box Elder community.

Rob Timm
Government Affairs Director

Rob comes to the City of Box Elder with nearly 30 years of non-profit and governmental leadership experience.  He has held senior positions in the healthcare, state and federal government fields along with several volunteer non-profit board of directors.  A graduate of South Dakota State University with a degree in Political Science as well as a graduate of the University of Nebraska’s Non-Profit Management Institute and the Grantsmanship Center, Rob provides expertise in grant writing, contract management, research and administration for all City of Box Elder departments.  A life-long South Dakota native, Rob is a decorated veteran of the South Dakota Army National Guard. 

Chaz Kokesh
City Clerk

A South Dakota native, Chaz joins the City of Box Elder with over 16 years of experience in local government, having worked across Wyoming and in Wisconsin. She values service to community and strives to provide transparency to those she serves. Her department facilitates the communication process between government and community, managing the public meeting process, open records, and communication platforms. Chaz is a certified Master Municipal Clerk through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, with extensive training in elections management, public processes, and communications. 

The City Clerk's Office is responsible for upholding and protecting democratic processes such as local elections, access to official records and information, and compliance with federal, state, and local laws. The City Clerk supports Box Elder's elected and appointed officials in their roles as stewards of our community and facilitate the public meeting process. This department is responsible for developing and maintaining open communication with the public through their Public Information Office, helping to support the City Council in its goals of innovation, transparency, and fairness while promoting community participation and awareness.

The City of Box Elder Municipal Code can be accessed by clicking the “Municipal Code” link below.  City ordinances are approved and adopted throughout the year, and staff updates the online municipal code accordingly. If you are looking for an ordinance that has been amended or is not listed within the online municipal code, please reach out to the City Clerk's Office to request more information. 

City of Box Elder Municipal Code

Adopted Ordinances & Resolutions

Our mission is to foster sustainable growth, attract targeted industries, and enhance the quality of life for our residents and businesses. Home to Ellsworth Air Force Base and the Gateway to the scenic Black Hills, Box Elder is a growing community offering a unique blend of opportunities. We provide resources to help new and existing businesses thrive, create jobs, and invest in the future of our city. Whether you’re a developer, business owner, entrepreneur, or resident, we invite you to explore how we can work together to build a vibrant, prosperous future.

The purpose of the Finance Department is to provide internal and external customer service in the areas of budgeting, planning & organizing, investing, forecasting, spending, auditing, accurate reporting, utility billing and collections, and financial analysis to all parties engaged with the City.

MISSION

The Finance Department is responsible for the overall integrity of the City’s financial activities.   The team provides timely and accurate financial information to other city departments, elected officials, third parties, residents, and the public.  They protect and care for all City assets and ensure compliance with the federal, state, and local laws from a fiduciary vantage point.

At the City of Box Elder Public Information Office, we're all about keeping our community in the know. Whether you live here, work here, or both, we’re committed to sharing clear, honest, and timely information.

Our goal? To spark a connection, boost public awareness, and keep you engaged with what’s happening in your city. Because when we’re informed, we’re stronger together.

One way we keep you in the loop?

Briefly Speaking is a fast, no-fuss update where Mayor Larson and I, with special guests, dive into timely topics that impact our community. It’s a simple, engaging way to stay informed, stay connected, and stay involved, because when we move forward, we do it together.

Check out the latest episodes!

Current City News:

Mission Statement

To provide reliable, efficient, and sustainable public services that protect public health, support economic vitality, and enhance the quality of life in our community.

Vision Statement

Provide a safe, well-maintained, and resilient community supported by dependable infrastructure, well-cared-for public spaces, and exceptional public service.

The Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining and improving the infrastructure and services that keep the community safe, functional, and thriving. Our department supports daily operations and long-term planning across streets, parks, water production and distribution, wastewater collection, fleet services, and facilities maintenance.

Public Works staff maintain roadways, sidewalks, signage, and stormwater systems; care for parks, trails, and public spaces; ensure the delivery of safe, reliable drinking water; protect public health through effective wastewater operations; maintain the City’s vehicle and equipment fleet; and preserve municipal buildings and facilities. Through coordinated service delivery and responsible stewardship, we work to enhance the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Public Works Emergency Phone Number: 888-483-5921

This emergency line is available to report downed signs, road hazards, sewer backups, water main breaks, and other urgent infrastructure issues.