Codington County Considers Extension Complex Rental Fee Increases for 2027

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Codington County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, reviewed proposed rental rate and fee updates for the Codington County Extension Complex, marking the first overhaul of the facility’s fee structure in 10 years.

Extension staff members Jodi Loehrer and Becky Goens presented the proposed rate adjustments alongside Commissioner Myron Johnson, who met with staff to review the facility’s operational costs and usage patterns. Because the item was not listed for formal action on Tuesday’s agenda, the commission held off on a final vote and will place the proposal on next week’s agenda for official approval.

Focus on Large Spaces, Heating, and Event Surcharges

Under the proposal, rental rates for smaller spaces—such as the kitchen and classrooms—will remain unchanged. Instead, the adjustments focus on larger spaces, multi-space rentals, and event-related surcharges so that costs scale with the size and impact of an event.

Key proposed changes include:

·        Base Space Rentals: Modest increases of $10 to $20 per space for larger rooms and multi-space rentals, such as raising one space from $120 to $130. Unused half-day rental tiers for whole-building or large-space rentals are also being eliminated.

·        Heating Charges: Increasing the heating fee by $20 per division to $30 for harder-to-heat areas, including the North Expo, South Expo, barn, and sale ring. The heating surcharge applies per space from Nov. 1 through April 1.

·        Move-In and Move-Out Fees: Increasing the daily move-in and move-out fee from $50 to $100 per day for large spaces, while exempting the kitchen and classrooms.

·        Banquet Fees: Increasing banquet charges for events with 100 to 249 attendees and for events with 250 or more attendees to account for extensive setup and cleanup.

·        Alcohol Surcharge: Clarified after a question from Commissioner Lee Gabel, the alcohol surcharge will increase by $150—from $100 to a new total of $250.

The facility also maintains two separate rate schedules: Schedule A applies to rentals where no admission is charged and no products or services are sold, such as educational events or employee meetings, while Schedule B applies to events where admission is charged or sales occur.

Balancing Public Service and Facility Expenses

Staff reviewed five recurring event contracts to see how the combined base rate and surcharge adjustments would affect total costs. Depending on whether an event requires move-in days, banquet setups, or alcohol service, total increases across the five sample contracts ranged from $65, $70, and $110 on the low end to $280 and $410 for larger, multi-day functions.

If approved next week, the new rates will take effect Jan. 1, 2027. However, any existing signed contracts for 2027 will remain at their current rates, meaning annual events already under contract for 2027 will not see the rate increase until 2028.

Johnson noted that reviewing the fees with staff and facility custodians highlighted hidden costs to the county. During multi-day setups for single-day events, large overhead doors are frequently left open while heaters run continuously. Custodians also reported that events serving alcohol require significantly more cleanup inside the building as well as trash and beer can removal in the parking lot.

Chairman Troy VanDusen asked whether the rental fees cover the county’s expenses to operate the building and how much revenue the complex generates annually. Staff estimated the facility brings in an average of $25,000 to $30,000 per year in rental revenue, adding that the fees have historically functioned as a community service use fee rather than covering full utility and heating costs. Staff are also placed on call for major events like the home show, though not for smaller private gatherings.

"We’re not in the business of losing money," VanDusen said, noting the county’s recent upgrades to the facility. "It is a public service, and I get that, but it's still costing the county money to host events out there.”

VanDusen suggested the board reevaluate the fee schedule again in a year or two to ensure rates adequately offset county personnel and utility expenses.

Johnson made a motion to approve the proposed rental charges, which was seconded by Commissioner Tyler McElhany. Before a vote was taken, County Auditor Brenda Hanten pointed out the item was only listed under the monthly report rather than as a formal action item. VanDusen directed that the rental rate proposal be placed on next week’s commission agenda for formal action.