Codington County Emergency Management Reviews 2027 Budget, Search and Rescue Updates in Watertown
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Codington County Emergency Management Director Andrew Delgado presented his monthly report and 2027 budget request to the Codington County Board of Commissioners on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
Monthly Report and Community Outreach
Delgado reported assisting a local entity with a vulnerability assessment required for a grant application. The assessment evaluated existing plans, training, and physical security to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Search and Rescue personnel recently assisted with Camp Chance, providing standard jet ski and boat rides for attendees. Additionally, the Emergency Management office hosted regional emergency managers for Salamander training at the Codington County Extension Complex. The training covers a mandatory system used to track personnel and equipment during large-scale incidents.
Staff also attended the regional Homeland Security meeting to review and select regional projects based on current allocations. Furthermore, Delgado noted he is participating in preliminary discussions with local community groups regarding the potential creation of a local volunteer coordinator position. This role would serve as a single point of contact for individuals interested in youth volunteering or disaster recovery.
Search and Rescue Fundraiser
The local Search and Rescue organization is finalizing preparations for its upcoming fundraiser banquet. Tickets are $100 per guest and are currently available at the Emergency Management office or through Dwayne’s Floor Covering. Each banquet ticket provides a one-in-ten chance to win a gift certificate or firearm from local dealers.
2027 Budget Request Adjustments
During the review of the 2027 budget requests, Delgado outlined shifts in his department’s finances while keeping the bottom line for current expenditures unchanged from the previous year.
The personnel section includes a requested increase utilizing a 4% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), calculated using April’s 3.8% Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. The budget builds in a contingency of 40 overtime hours for Delgado and 30 hours for his staff, along with a 2% set-aside for on-call coverage in the event primary staff are out of town or at required training.
Responding to a question from Commissioner Myron Johnson regarding the $34,000 health insurance line item, Delgado clarified that the budget safely accounts for employer health insurance for both full-time staff members. While one employee currently utilizes military health insurance, the funds are budgeted to ensure flexibility if coverage circumstances change.
While overall expenditures remain flat, Delgado reallocated internal subcategories. A projected increase in insurance costs was offset by a 3% decrease in repair and maintenance, factoring in the department’s planned new vehicle. Professional services received a 5% increase—approximately $500—to cover critical communication tools such as Nixle, pager apps for volunteer fire departments, and TwoTrees.
Delgado also increased the budget for first responder training to facilitate upcoming joint training events, noting that local volunteer fire chiefs have expressed strong interest in increased collaboration.
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