Minnehaha County commissioners are holding off on a proposal for the county to switch to a “home rule charter” style of governance.
The proposal was met with of concern from the public.
Switching to a home rule charter would combine the elected offices of county auditor, treasurer and register of deeds.
Opponents argue that this would effectively get rid of public input, giving more power to the commission. Some argue the idea was primarily brought forward to replace the current county auditor Leah Anderson, who has clashed with commissioners on certain election issues.
Anderson spoke to the commission directly for the first time on the matter.
“It’s very obvious that it is directed towards me, and unfortunately our register of deeds and our treasurer have to suffer. If you have a problem with me and they way that I conduct my office, then I think that you should come and visit me and spend some time in our office. Because I can guarantee you it is done professionally and efficiently,” said Anderson.
The draft to change government style was brought by commissioner Joe Kippley. He said he thinks home rule is still the correct way to go but needs more stakeholder buy in.
“We’re so off base from a political philosophy and understanding of how local government works that I think we should just focus where the focus needs to be. So, if the public wants to have a conversation about the auditor, they will get their say on that in the future. I think that there is some interest in a home rule charter and I’d be happy to keep the conversation going, and if we need to study that in the near future, I’d be open to that,” said Kippley.
The commission deferred pursuing the home rule charter, though Kippley said he is sure the conversation will come up again in the next election cycle in 2026.
