Codington County Treasurer Proposes 2027 Budget With Staffing Plan, Tax Deed Auctions Ahead

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Codington County Treasurer Carol Maloney presented the department’s 2027 budget request and operational updates to the Board of Commissioners on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

Proactive Staffing and Personnel Changes

Maloney’s 2027 budget includes a recommendation to hire a new employee to manage anticipated department turnover. The proposed administrative support position is designed to allow proper training time before current staff members depart.

Despite the proposed additional hire, the overall wages line item reflects a slight decrease from the 2026 budget. This decrease is due to the 2026 budget including a full year’s salary for a first deputy whose retirement was previously postponed to assist with a software transition. The new hire will enter at an administrative support rate, lowering the baseline wage cost.

2027 Budget Adjustments

The overall proposed Treasurer budget features an increase of less than 2%, landing at approximately 1.87%. The personnel budget incorporates a 4% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which proportionally adjusts the associated retirement and workers’ compensation lines. Health and dental insurance are both budgeted for a 10% increase.

While professional services, safety deposit box rentals, and maintenance lines remain unchanged from the previous year, Maloney noted necessary increases in specific areas. Supply lines were raised to cover the rising costs of law supplements and native resource materials. The travel and conference budget was also increased to accommodate higher meeting registration fees and room and board costs.

Additionally, current expenses were increased to cover rising publication and service fees associated with processing tax deeds.

Tax Deed Properties and Upcoming Auctions

The Treasurer’s office expects to take tax deeds on multiple properties in September. By law, the county will hold these properties for a minimum of six months before sending them to a public auction, which is currently anticipated for the spring of 2027.

The county also has a separate property auction scheduled for next week.

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