Minnehaha County commissioners debated a proposal to put to have voters decide on a new form of county government.
The proposal suggests a home rule charter would be the best form of governance for the county going forward.
As the largest county in the state, proponents of the proposal said a new way of running local government should be evaluated.
The main point of contention at the latest Minnehaha County Commission meeting was the suggestion of changing to a home rule charter. This allows the county commission to consolidate the offices of auditor, register of deeds and treasurer into a county finance office.
This means these three positions historically voted on would be chosen by the commission.
Amanda Halsey is the Register of Deeds for Minnehaha County. She was the only person whose position was at risk to speak to the commission.
“It seems there are many in this building that do not understand why the roles of register of deeds, auditor, and treasurer are elected rather than appointed. I believe as elected officials, leading some of the closest departments to the citizens of this county, we should be deeply rooted in our communities," said Halsey. "Every day we are given the authority in our jobs solely by the constituents we were elected by. It is unnerving to imagine a governmental body as large as ours being served under the mindset that their authority comes from anyone but the people that they were elected by and that they represent.”
The proposal comes amid recent tensions between some commissioners and county auditor Leah Anderson after she expressed doubt over the county’s voting system.
Joe Kippley is a Minnehaha County Commissioner. He helped draft the charter. He said it’s not targeting any individuals.
“I have faith in the people that all this will work itself out and we will get the best people into the positions. But basically, I would just say the intent of this is to put forth efficient, professional leadership in the roles of trust in our positions of authority in our county. And if you think, when I'm saying, ‘we need professional, responsible leadership,' that I am against your favorite person, you might be telling on yourself a little bit,” said Kippley.
Multiple commissioners voiced a need to analyze the proposal further. No vote was taken.
