Mayor Holien Highlights Accountability and Growth on “The People’s Pulse”

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - In a recent episode of “The People’s Pulse,” Watertown Mayor Ried Holien joined Northeast Radio SD to discuss a transformative week in local government marked by significant debate over downtown revitalization and the introduction of life-saving law enforcement technology.

New Era of Accountability: The “Accountable Grant”

A central topic was the Watertown Downtown Collective, a new coalition of local business owners seeking city funding for a dedicated Downtown Coordinator. While the proposal received strong community support, it sparked a debate regarding fiscal responsibility.

Mayor Holien introduced a new standard for city funding: the Accountable Grant. Moving away from traditional “donations,” these grants will now operate as performance-based contracts. Under a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Downtown Collective must meet specific benchmarks to maintain funding over a three-year period, including:

·        Event Creation: Providing four “signature events” annually beyond existing programs.

·        Economic Metrics: Tracking specific sales tax revenue downtown to measure the return on investment (ROI).

“You don’t get to donate money that isn’t yours,” Holien stated, emphasizing the need for taxpayers to see a clear return on every dollar invested in outside organizations.

Strengthening Public Safety with Grant Funding

The Mayor also celebrated the acquisition of the Metrohm TacticID, a handheld narcotics identification device, funded entirely by a $50,000 grant from the state opioid settlement. This technology allows first responders to identify dangerous substances like fentanyl and synthetic opioids in seconds without physical contact, significantly enhancing officer safety and speeding up medical response times for overdose victims.

Community Spotlight: A Future Leader

The episode concluded with a shout-out to Elliot Moffatt, a young resident who recently led the City Council in the Pledge of Allegiance. Holien highlighted the importance of engaging the younger generation in local government to ensure the community’s long-term vibrancy and growth.

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