By Dave Baumeister, County Correspondent
SIOUX FALLS – In a turn-around from last year, Joshua Shellum with the South Dakota Department of Legislative Audit gave a positive report to the Minnehaha County Commission at this Tuesday’s meeting.
He told commissioners that in all of the major areas they covered, there were “no deficiencies in internal controls.”
In 2019, the same department found several problems with the county treasurer’s office in how they were handling their required reports.
At that time, Minnehaha County Treasurer Pam Nelson blamed problems they were having on a new county computer system.
Her office had gotten approximately 18 months behind in required reports they were supposed to provide to the auditor’s office, as well as to the county commission.
As a result of the delay, there were several months when revenues and expenses did not balance.
But, with the latest report, all of those problems seem to have been solved.
Commissioners Gerald Beninga and Jeff Barth both expressed pleasure with the state’s latest report.
The new audit gives the county an “A1” rating for all operations.
And according to Commission Chair Jean Bender, that A1 rating makes Minnehaha County bonds a low-risk, high-quality investment.
A late change
Commission Administrator Carol Muller presented a change order for an additional $520,000 to build a wall, increase drainage and do landscaping around the north entrance to the newly remodeled Minnehaha jail.
The reason for the additional work is due to the county being “pro-active,” according to Muller.
It is believed that during heavy rains, that entrance would probably flood, so before that happens, they want to get a 30-inch high wall built. And along with a flood gate and a pump system, the county is also looking at putting in a berm to help move any water.
Although the change order was unexpected, Muller said this still leaves the overall jail renovation project under budget.
Commissioners voted 5-0 to accept the order.
Light ‘em up
At the end of the meeting, Bender said that moisture from recent snowfalls has allowed them to lift the countywide burn ban enacted on Oct. 13.
Because next Tuesday is Election Day, there will be no commission meeting on Nov. 3. The next meeting will be Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 9 a.m. on the second floor of the Minnehaha County Administration Building at 6th and Minnesota in Sioux Falls.
