Well, the year 2020 is over with all of the pandemic, school closures, and the elections. We, in Minnehaha County, are ready to turn the page to 2021 with change in the air.
The County has three new officials in elected roles:
Daniel Haggar won election as the States Attorney. Mr. Haggar brings years of experience as a Public Defender in Minnehaha County, a prosecutor in Lincoln County, and a City Attorney for Sioux Falls.
Kris Swanson joins the elected officials as our new Treasurer. She replaces long-time Treasurer Pam Nelson who chose not to seek re-election. Mrs. Swanson comes from farming and entrepreneurial background.
Finally, Ben Kyte was appointed by the County Commission to replace retired Auditor Bob Litz with two years and three months left in his term. Mr. Kyte has 37 years of experience in finance at Citibank and significant community involvement.
Of course, some things stay the same with Dean Karsky and Jean Bender re-elected to serve four more years as Commissioners. Jean did a truly great job as Chair last year and helped provide leadership as COVID-19 emerged. It has been an honor serving under her leadership.
At our first meeting of the year, the Commission voted to have Dean Karsky serve as Chair and Cindy Heiberger as vice-chair. With so many new officials coming in, it is good to have experienced leadership!
So now the annual cycle of county government begins again. Working with our Legislators in Pierre and Washington DC, hearing property tax appeals, and fashioning a budget for 2022... yes 2022!
The County continues to plan for construction of a new Highway maintenance facility and remodeling of the Administration and Extension buildings. A new highway maintenance facility will be built at the current location. The new facility will replace the current maintenance area and administrative building which is nearing 70 years in age. Public safety needs have been driving staff growth in the State’s Attorney’s office and Public Defender. Both of these department are bursting at the seams. Renovated space will better optimize existing buildings for future growth as office needs have changed as records are digitized and less paper is used. Then there are issues with the Fair which had a decrease in revenue (largely due to COVID- 19). We can’t stop preparing for the future.
