In the heart of Yankton, city officials gathered to discuss pressing community matters, including housing developments and financial responsibilities. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Thrive, a nonprofit organization, addressed its role in local housing initiatives and its financial standing.
During the meeting, it was revealed that Thrive currently owns 104 parcels of land, with taxes fully paid on 97 of them. Six parcels are tax-exempt due to their status outside of a Tax Increment District (TID), while one data center's taxes are covered by its tenant. Thrive emphasized its commitment to staying current on all financial obligations, reassuring the community that it is not behind on any taxes.
A significant topic of discussion was the planned apartment complex on Whiting Drive. Thrive representatives explained that the project has been temporarily put on hold. This decision was influenced by the recent completion of several other apartment complexes in Yankton, which are expected to stabilize the rental market. Additionally, the closure of American Foods, which affected hundreds of local jobs, necessitated a pause to assess the community's housing needs.
Thrive also highlighted its successful acquisition of a Housing Infrastructure Financing (HIF) grant from South Dakota housing, amounting to $1.26 million. This funding was specifically allocated for infrastructure improvements related to the housing project, with a requirement to construct 126 rental units. Thrive confirmed that all necessary infrastructure has been installed and accepted, aligning with the grant's terms.
In a moment of transparency, Thrive's leadership addressed questions regarding compensation. The organization files a public 990 form annually, revealing that the executive director's salary for 2024 is $131,675. While benefits are not detailed in the public document, it was clarified that the director's benefits align with those of other employees, excluding participation in the healthcare plan.
As the meeting concluded, the focus remained on the community's resilience and adaptability in the face of recent challenges. With ongoing developments and a commitment to responsible financial management, Yankton looks ahead to a future shaped by careful planning and community engagement.