Yankton commission rejects request to double mall sales-tax rebate after extended public debate

The Yankton City Commission voted 5-3 on Feb. 10, 2025 to deny a request to raise the sales-tax rebate cap for the Yankton Mall redevelopment from $1,700,000 to $3,400,000, after a presentation from the developer's representatives and an extended public comment period.

The measure would have amended Resolution 25-08, a previously approved 10-year sales-tax rebate and development agreement tied to the property known as the Yankton Mall. City staff member Dave Mingo introduced the item and explained the request; Ryan Tisdale of VanBusker Companies (the broker working on the project) and mall owner Matt Evans made the presentation and answered commissioners' questions.

Tisdale told the commission the initial $1.7 million rebate helped secure three national retailers — Hobby Lobby, Marshalls and 5 Below — and asked that the cap be increased to $3.4 million so the owner could finish landlord work for additional national tenants. "Without your assistance, we would not have been able to bring Hobby Lobby, Marshalls, and 5 Below to town," Tisdale said. He described…