Codington County Commissioners to Vote on 0.5% Tax Ordinance; Election Funding and Jail Access Concerns Discussed

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD — Codington County Commissioners briefly revisited Ordinance 83 during Tuesday’s meeting, noting that the second reading and possible adoption of the county’s proposed 0.5% gross receipts and use tax will take place next week. The ordinance is intended to offset and reduce county property taxes, and its full text is currently being published for public review.

Commissioner Lee Gabel reminded residents that anyone with questions about the ordinance should contact commissioners ahead of next week’s vote.

Auditor Announces $35,217 Election Funding Award

Under new business, County Auditor Brenda Hanten reported the county has been awarded $35,217.13 in state election funding recently made available through the South Dakota Legislature.

Hanten applied for the maximum amount allowed and confirmed the county received the full award.

The funding will support Codington County’s election operations, including the upcoming July 28 runoff election.

DOT Has Not Yet Reviewed Jail Access Intersection; Commissioners Request Follow‑Up

Commissioner Myron Johnson provided an update from a recent South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) STIP meeting, where he raised concerns about the intersection and traffic flow near the new county jail construction site along Highway 212.

Johnson said DOT officials confirmed they have not conducted any review of the jail’s access approaches or potential safety needs.

“I think it should be looked at,” Johnson said. “If you’re going east, you have to cross two westbound lanes. There should be a yield sign or caution sign or something out there.”

Johnson noted that westbound traffic moves quickly in the area, and a turn lane could improve safety for vehicles entering the jail site.

DOT officials reportedly expressed caution about adding new traffic controls after being “stung” by the installation — and later removal — of stoplights near the Redlin Art Center on East Highway 212 due to insufficient traffic counts.

Commission Administrative Officer Dee Davis clarified that:

·         The county has received DOT permits for two possible approaches to the jail site.

·         Only one approach is currently in use due to construction.

·         The second approach, shared with a neighboring business, remains available if needed in the future.

·         DOT may prefer to wait until the jail opens to evaluate actual traffic patterns.

Johnson said he visits the site nearly daily and believes the issue should remain on the county’s radar:

“We need to keep it in mind,” he said. “It’s good to put on the to‑do list before it opens so we don’t forget.”

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