Watertown Resident Raises Codington County Budget Concerns, Proposes Local Government Efficiency Plan

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - During the open public comment period at the Codington County Board of Commissioners meeting on Thursday, July 30, 2026, Watertown resident Zach Thompson presented local budget concerns and introduced a four-part government efficiency proposal.

Citizen Budget Analysis Highlights Rising Costs

Thompson informed commissioners he recently began examining local government operations to evaluate community efficiencies. During his review of county financial records, Thompson noted several line items experiencing cost increases that outpace general inflation.

Specifically, Thompson pointed to court-appointed attorney expenses, stating the budget line had increased “five to six times over the past six years.” He also questioned ongoing budget increases for government buildings following capital allocations for the county jail project.

Four-Part “Concurrent Majority” Proposal

In addition to his financial questions, Thompson presented a proposal centered on a concept he termed “concurrent majority.” Citing the national sunsetting of DOGE on July 4, Thompson outlined a four-part resolution aimed at local governance and administrative processes:

·         Local Efficiency Pilot: Endorsing a local DOGE efficiency pilot program to examine county operations.

·         County Sovereignty: Establishing a concurrent majority resolution to position the county as a more sovereign entity within the broader governing system.

·         USPS Delivery Tracking: Documenting ongoing U.S. Postal Service delivery delays affecting local petition deliveries and election mail.

·         Blockchain Form Submissions: Launching a digital submission pilot program for South Dakota state forms using blockchain technology to increase speed and security for electronic filings.

Thompson noted that while he sent an updated, refined copy of his document to the commission earlier that morning, he welcomed further outreach from commissioners regarding his inquiries.

Commission Response and Adjournment

Commission Chair Troy VanDusen clarified that while the board does not actively debate or engage in back-and-forth discussions during the public comment period, he acknowledged the questions raised and confirmed the board received Thompson’s electronic document submission.

Following public comments, the board determined there was no need to enter into executive Session. Commissioner Myron Johnson moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Tyler McElhany. The motion passed unanimously.

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