HURON — After the second reading of the 2021 budget, the Huron city commission unanimously approved Ordinance 2214-30-238, the 2021 annual appropriations.
The 2021 total budget is $46,810,828, which works out to a 43% increase over the 2020 budget, with nearly the entire reasoning behind this difference the new Sewer Treatment Facility at a cost of $14 million. Property tax levy approved by the commissioners to fund the 2021 budget was $5,338,557.
City commissioners also heard from Fire Chief Ron Hins with an update on two grants that he applied for to help the department. He reported that he was awarded two different grants, one specifically for air packs and one Homeland Security Grant for uniforms and other needed equipment and supplies.
The air pack grant was for a total of up to $619,640 for 87 air packs and accessories that will be distributed among the Huron City Fire Department, the volunteer firefighters, and multiple fire departments within the county.
Commissioners approved a new contract with the COVID sampling site and call center as well as eliminating the city position of Sam Carr at the call center. This allows the city to set up the call center and sampling site under the direction of Carr Chiropractic and work on a month-to-month contract, paying Carr for their professional services at that center.
Commissioners also:
• Approved a special event on-sale liquor license by the South Dakota State Fair for a wedding reception at the Expo Building for October 10
• Deferred the public hearing to consider a 2020-2021 retail on-off sale malt beverage liquor and South Dakota farm wine license filed by Carlson’s Northside Service Inc. until final inspection has been completed
• Accepted the resignation of Paul Fritzsche, 911 telecommunicator, and approved advertising for a 911 telecommunicator position
• Approved regular status for Daniel Vetch, golf maintenance supervisor, for completion of probationary period
City commissioners meet Monday at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall with the meeting streamed live on the city’s YouTube page.
