Codington County Approves Policy Updates and Grant for Community Services

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Codington County Commissioners approved several updates to welfare guidelines and authorized a new health grant during their meeting last Tuesday.

Sara Foust, the Codington County Community Service Director, provided a year-end report showing that the department served 254 unique individuals in 2025. This marks a slight increase from the 248 clients seen in 2024. In December alone, the office served 35 individuals across 78 total contacts.

Policy Changes and Funeral Assistance

The board approved a recommendation from Foust to increase the funeral assistance guidelines to 125% of the federal poverty rate. Foust noted that this change helps families avoid a cycle of financial hardship, such as an inability to pay rent, after incurring unexpected burial costs.

While the eligibility guidelines were expanded, the commissioners voted to keep the actual indigent burial rates unchanged. The county will continue to reimburse $3,952 for traditional burials, $2,575 for cremations, and $565 for the opening and closing of graves. Codington County currently maintains the highest reimbursement rates for these services in South Dakota.

In another policy shift, the department will now require applicants receiving county financial assistance to participate in ongoing case management through the IMPACT program. Foust explained that this requirement is designed to address long-term needs rather than providing only one-time aid.

Grant Funding and Community Initiatives

The commission authorized the chair to sign the Overdose Data-to-Action Community Health Worker grant. The award, totaling $39,998, will fund community health worker positions from June 2026 through May 2027. The grant serves as a gap filler, covering costs for clients who do not have other payer sources, such as Medicaid.

Foust also announced several upcoming community events and transitions:

·        Codington Connects is now officially a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit and is working to separate its operations from county oversight to provide more clarity for the public.

·        A regional housing conference will be held at the Watertown Event Center on Feb. 12 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

·        A community childcare survey is being finalized in partnership with South Dakota State University, with plans to distribute the survey to residents in February.

The board concluded by approving the advertisement for a full-time administrative support position following the resignation of a current staff member in the community service office.