Codington County Commission Approves 2027 Budget After Watertown Staffing and Commissioner COLA Pay Increase Debate

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Codington County Commission on Tuesday held a public hearing on the 2027 provisional budget, took no public comment, and then moved into a lengthy and at times tense discussion over proposed amendments involving staffing in the Treasurer’s Office and pay for commissioners.

Commission Chair Troy VanDusen opened the hearing, inviting public comment.

“Is there anyone here who would like to add comments on that topic?” VanDusen asked. After two rounds of inquiry, he concluded: “Seeing none, we’ll go ahead and close the hearing.”

With the hearing closed, commissioners moved to adopt the budget and accompanying Resolution 2026‑25.

Commissioner McElhany Proposes Two Amendments

Commissioner Tyler McElhany requested discussion before any vote, proposing two changes:

1. Remove a new employee from the Treasurer’s 2027 budget

McElhany said the Treasurer had budgeted for an additional staff member, but he did not believe the position was necessary.

“She had the calculations and planned to add a new employee,” McElhany said. “At this point, I don’t see the need for that.”

He estimated the cost of the position at $69,592.

2. Add a 3% COLA increase to commissioner salaries

McElhany also proposed adding the same 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment that other county employees are scheduled to receive.

“Like last year, we had that discussion that it’s better that all employees, including commissioners, get the same each year,” he said. “I just wanted to make sure it was in the budget.”

Commissioner Gabel Opposes Commissioner Pay Increase

Commissioner Lee Gabel pushed back on the proposal, saying he intentionally budgeted no pay increase for commissioners.

“I disagree with you, Commissioner,” Gabel said. “I’ve been the one that does up the commissioners’ budget, and every year for the past three years I’ve budgeted for no pay raise.”

Gabel noted that despite his budgeting, commissioners have still voted themselves raises at the first meeting of each year.

“I think we’re compensated enough,” he said. “So that’s why I budgeted with zero pay raise.”

Amendment Attempts Fail for Lack of a Second

McElhany moved to amend the provisional budget to remove the Treasurer’s new employee and add the 3% commissioner COLA. Commissioners briefly discussed whether to vote on the amendments individually or together.

Ultimately, McElhany made a combined motion.

“I make a motion for an amendment to the Treasurer’s budget to subtract the amount of the new employee addition,” he said, adding the second amendment for commissioner pay.

However, the motion failed.

VanDusen asked: “Do we have a second to that motion?” After silence, he announced: “No second. Okay, that motion dies.”

Commission Adopts Budget as Published

With the amendments defeated, commissioners returned to the original provisional budget.

Commissioner Gabel moved to approve the budget as published. Commissioner Randy Schweer seconded.

A roll‑call vote was taken by Auditor Brenda Hanten:

·         Troy VanDusen — Yes

·         Myron Johnson — Yes

·         Randy Schweer — Yes

·         Lee Gabel — Yes

·         Tyler McElhany — No

The motion passed 4–1, adopting the 2027 provisional budget without changes.

VanDusen closed the item, remarking:

“All right, that was rough.”