The Minnehaha Spending Mystery

Even an experienced sleuth might have trouble deciphering the county budget. Leah Anderson, the Republican Candidate for Minnehaha Auditor, gives us a glimpse into the budgeting process.

The Minnehaha budgeting process is a mystery to many of us.

We must consult our means rather than our wishes. — George Washington

Each year the Minnehaha County Commission prioritizes the county’s funding needs. This process starts early in the year and culminates with a provisional (final draft) budget that is prepared by the Minnehaha County Auditor. This provisional budget is then posted online for the citizens to review. Finally, the budget is approved by the Minnehaha County Commission at a public meeting. 

This year the Provisional Budget was released on July 26. The Final Budget will be approved at the Minnehaha County Commission meeting on September 8.

Citizens can participate in the budgeting process by attending commission meetings or contacting commissioners. If someone wants a say in the process, it is best for him/her to begin talking with his/her elected officials months before the provisional budget is released.

A few highlights from the $114 million budget are:

• about $51 million for public safety and health and welfare (law enforcement, economic assistance, social services, etc.)

• about $35 million for county government (courts, facilities, insurance, salaries, elections,  legal services, etc.)

• about $17 million for highways and bridges 

• about $3.5 million for culture and recreation (mainly in Sioux Falls)

I look forward to making the Minnehaha County finances more transparent! If you’d like to help me get there, please VOTE in November and help pick up the tab.

Thanks, Leah