By Dave Baumeister, county correspondent
SIOUX FALLS – An unexpected windfall from the federal government for county infrastructure improvement will be adding over $1 million to Minnehaha coffers, D.J. Buthe, county highway superintendent reported at the July 2 commission meeting.
The appropriations from the Federal Highway Infrastructure Program has awarded Minnehaha County $1,074,587.34 to be used over a three-year period for infrastructure projects.
Buthe said that they plan to use the money toward two bridge repair projects.
This information came in conjunction with Buthe reporting that his office was already ahead of budget spending for this year.
His information on spending matches up with the previous week, when commissioners heard that most county offices were holding the line on their budgets.
However, the funds from a proposed $6.5 million opt-out are all earmarked for increases in departments dealing with public safety.
Former county commissioner Bob Kolbe addressed this during open public comments, and he suggested a possible solution for the future.
He echoed what has been heard at past meetings about the lack of options for funding at the county’s disposal with limits to their taxing powers, while they are responsible for providing many services mandated by the state.
Counties get no money from sales taxes, bed and booze taxes, Internet taxes, etc.
Kolbe did say one power they have is to impose “fees,” and he suggested the county look at setting a “structural volume fee” to specifically go to law enforcement and public safety needs.
“I’ve had this idea for years,” Kolbe said, “But (while) it was a little tough to institute, it is a lot easier today, especially with computer programming.”
The reasoning behind this suggestion, he stated, is that while every structure would pay it, smaller structures would pay a smaller amount, as they would contain fewer people and be less likely to use law enforcement, fire and ambulance services.
While Kolbe’s proposal was by no means complete, he said, “With that in mind, I’ll throw stones in the lake and let the ripples go where they may.”
Also, in public comment, Laurie Hassel from Roseville, Minn., who is working with the FEMA disaster assistance program, presented information in regard to the disaster that was declared here due to the flooding in March.
Along with pointing out some of the areas where help is available, she said that people have 60 days from the date of the initial federal emergency declaration, June 7, to make their claims.
Commissioner Jeff Barth provided information that people can contact (800)-621-3362 or disasterassistance.gov to get more information or file a claim.
In jail related business, Warden Jeff Gromer needed approval to accept three low bids for a variety of supplies needed at the county facility.
The bids were unanimously accepted by the commission.
And County Administrator Carol Muller presented jail change order No. 7 which was an increase of $110,554.
The increases come in the areas of bedrock inspection, doors and re-keying, ductwork, painting, etc.
Commissioner Cindy Heiberger asked how the change order contingency fee was sitting, to which Muller said that almost all of the $2 million budgeted was still available.
“I think we are within $3,000 (of the original money budgeted for) what we’ve added and what we have been able to deduct,” Muller said.
So far, the change orders have come in about evenly as debits and credits, but she said change order No. 6 was in the works and that would use a much larger portion of the fund.
Finally, Muller and county auditor Bob Litz presented a plan for the payment of back taxes.
A resident currently owes $18,489.55 for back taxes, interest and fees on three parcels in Minnehaha County.
The proposal is to pay $1,000 per month until the full amount was paid in February 2021 to stave off the tax sale slated for this September.
Commissioners voted 5-0 to accept the plan.
The Minnehaha County Commission has its regular meetings each Tuesday at 9 a.m. on the second floor of the county administration building at 6th and Minnesota in Sioux Falls.
These meetings are open to the public, and public comment is always encouraged.
