by Jeff Barth, County Commissioner
We live in unique circumstances with the emergence of COVID-19. Residents continue to adjust daily routines to slow the spread of Coronavirus. Individuals are encouraged to stay home if they are sick because individuals can carry Coronavirus without showing symptoms. Social distancing and hand washing are two important steps to help prevent community spread.
As we all take efforts to flatten the curve of COVID-19 spread, Minnehaha County has made the decision to close non-essential facilities to the public since 5pm on Friday, March 20th. Employees still reported to work on Monday the 23rd to serve the public.
The County continues to remind residents that business with the County can still be conducted online, by mail, and at remote locations depending on the transaction. Minnehaha County staff remain available by phone to assist individuals and organizations with questions. Phone numbers for each department are listed at www.minnehahacounty.org.
Online options are available to renew your motor vehicle tags at www.sdcars.org & property taxes can be paid online by going to the Minnehaha County Treasurer’s website. The State of South Dakota will also be publishing a new form for Owner Occupied status in the coming weeks. This form will be posted online when it is released.
Business can also be conducted by mail. Title transfers, document recording, vital records requests, voter registration, and absentee voting requests are common transactions. Please allow time for departments to receive and send materials through the mail.
License plate tags can be renewed at two remote locations through kiosks, operated by the State of South Dakota at two locations in Sioux Falls. The kiosks are located at Hy Vee on 4101 S. Louise Avenue and the Get-N-Go at 5400 E Arrowhead Parkway.
Residents are also encouraged to contact Minnehaha County departments by phone with questions. County employees can assist residents navigating the process.
The Human Services department encourages individuals to conduct as much business online as possible. Completed applications for assistance should be submitted by email. If email is unavailable, a drop box will be available for submission of requested documentation to complete process. The Human Services department continues operations with screened access during business hours. Residents are encouraged to call with any questions about process.
At the time this column was drafted, court operations at the Minnehaha County Courthouse remain open per the Presiding Judge and South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice.
A final word of encouragement, be patient and we will outlast the virus.
