The 2025 budget is set in Sioux Falls. At $781 million, it represents a lower overall balance from last year.
While adding employees, the budget also represents a drop over $9 million from the prior year.
Though this budget is smaller, the council was generally optimistic about the product presented to the community. That includes Curt Soehl, who offered a measured approval of the situation.
“We’re in interesting times going forward – growth is not what we’ve seen in the past – and the demands on this city continue to grow certainly as we expand, whether it be water, whether it be streets, whether it be police protection," Soehl said. "So, I’d encourage the council at this time to vote for this budget and we can continue to live with this. It is an evolving document that we can amend if we need to as time goes on. I appreciate your support.”
Shawn Pritchett is the city finance director. He said it was a manageable, if involved budget-writing session.
“For several of you, this will be the first budget you’ve reviewed and acted upon on behalf of the city of Sioux Falls," Pritchett said. "As you quickly learned, it is not without its complexities as you put this significant action forward and help us establish the financial plan for the city that invests in our critical infrastructure and critical services.”
One of the amendments hammered out targeted so-called “nuisance behavior” with a $150,000 price tag. It’s not the first time the city has invested in lower-level crimes, and local police chief John Thum said it’s been effective.
“I’m happy to report for the first time publicly that as we sit right now stolen vehicles are down for the first time in years at 9.5 percent," Thum said. "We have to find new ways to communicate with the public. There’s other ways with the lock your car campaign where we’re able to use targeted media to geographical areas in which we’re experiencing issues.”
The amended budget was passed by council at this week's meeting.