HURON — The Huron City Commission approved 2024 city rates and fees as part of a year-end meeting held at noon on Friday.

Water and solid waste rates will increase at cost of living rate for 2024 for residential users. The largest jumps are in commercial garbage collection. Commissioner Rich Bragg explained that the bump is due to a study in rates that found that Huron was notably lower than other similar-sized cities in South Dakota. This will help to fund the new solid waste transfer facility with minimal impact to residential pricing during that time.

Other notable changes include price adjustments and clarification on renting city equipment and tools. This was approved.

Water superintendent Rob Rieger presented a payment request by Ferguson Enterprises LLC for water meter replacement in the amount of $59,943.70. Rieger noted that 48.6% of all meters have been replaced in the city since the replacement project began in November. This was approved.

Commissioners approved a payment request for Gridor Construction Inc. for work on the watewater treatment facility in the amount of $300,000.

A resolution was approved by the commission to assign Ordinance No. 2223-5-131 authorizing a gas distribution system from Northwestern Corporation to Northwestern Energy Public Service Corporation due to corporate restructuring with Northwestern.

Commissioners also:
• Approved a special event on-sale alcoholic beverage license filed by Top Floor Events for a Chamber Mixer on Jan. 9 at Rivers Edge Apartments and Business Suites.
• Approved a special event on-sale alcoholic beverage license filed by James Valley Shrine Club for an indoor fishing event on Jan. 20 at Blackburn Hall.
• Approved changing the job classification for Julie Pomerico from interim planning director back to administrative assistant.

• Approved correcting the start date for Monty Benally, library assistant in circulation and outreach services to Jan. 2.
• Approved the memorandum of agreement between the city and AFSCME and authorized the Mayor to sign.
• Approved the certified pay schedule for 2024 for city employees.

City offices are closed, and garbage/recycle collection will not take place Monday, due to the New Year holiday. Monday garbage/recycle pickups will be done on Wednesday.

The first city commission meeting of 2024 is Jan. 8.