By Dave Baumeister
County Correspondent
SIOUX FALLS – Even though this week’s Minnehaha County Commission meeting lasted longer than usual, with a very full agenda, there were no major controversies or public comment offerings at the session.
The most “controversial” item was a 3-2 vote in favor of the purchase of a 2023 Chevy Equinox for the Department of Equalization.
Director Chris Lilla explained the need for the vehicle in that office personnel needs to be out almost constantly doing assessments, following up on building permits, etc.
The new SUV would replace a 2007 Dodge Durango that had been “passed on” to Equalization from the Highway Department.
Lilla said that the Durango performed well, but it “died” last fall, and his department needed a replacement.
Commission Chair Jean Bender said she would not be voting for Lilla’s request. She felt it set a bad precedent, since the Equinox came with a “premium package,” and other county vehicles had to stick with a “basic package.”
Lilla said he believed the difference in extra options was mainly in the vehicle’s seats, which were leather, instead of cloth.
Bender added she thought it also had heated seats.
However, Lilla explained he did not look at a vehicle's options package when he explored the purchase. He followed county policy in putting out that he was looking for a Chevy Equinox.
Three bids came in for this, and he then chose the cheapest one at $31,953 to bring to the commission.
The strange thing about this, though, was that Lilla said Equalization had already “taken possession” of the Equinox.
But Commissioner Dean Karsky said he told Lilla to proceed with the purchase.
Since Lilla followed all of the purchasing rules, Karsky didn’t see any reason the vehicle would not be approved.
And in the end, it was approved by a 3-2 vote, with Bender and Commissioner Gerald Beninga voting “no.”
Briefings
Most of the remainder of the meeting was spent on annual briefings from three county departments.
Nate Skadsen from the Extension Office went over the past year’s 4-H activities and looked at upcoming events.
Tom Werheim and Erin Johnson discussed mental illness issues in the county. And Kari Benz, Director of Human Services reported on community service for the homeless and funding for people in poverty.
Auditor adds items
Making her first “official” appearance before the commission, new Minnehaha County Auditor Leah Anderson (above) sought approval for records and fee increases, as well as streamlining the language of the county’s policy for credit card use.
Both requests were approved unanimously.
