Mitchell advisory committee backs higher suggested contributions after state funding change

The Mitchell Citizen Advisory Committee on an unspecified October meeting recommended that the City Council raise suggested contribution rates for the city’s adult nutrition program to $5 for people 60 and older and $8 for people under 60; the committee voted 5-1 to forward that recommendation to city council for final approval.

The committee said the recommendation responds to revised funding and new state program provisions. The South Dakota Department of Human Services updated the adult nutrition contract and supplemental provisions for the July 2024–June 2025 period, told the committee it set funding at $210,506.10, and based that figure on 42,475 meals with a 5% flexibility (the committee said that averages to 44,598 meals). Committee members said the state initially emailed a $215,235.98 award, then an incorrect lower amount of $200,482, and finally the $210,506.10 figure. The committee also reported the state will not issue contract amendments if the program serves more than the allotted meals.

Committee members and staff said the state changed a program rule that had capped supplemental meals at five per participant per week; after local advocacy that cap was raised to 10 meals per week. Committee members said the cap change and the state’s meal-count baseline created uncertainty about actual funding needs and could leave the program with a shortfall. Staff said Mitchell will cover shortfalls for meals served in Davison County from city reserves and will seek contributions from partner jurisdictions—specifically the cities of Tripp and Parkston and Hutchinson County—if demand exceeds state-funded meals.

The committee discussed how the state’s per‑meal funding was calculated and raised concerns about tracking participants who receive meals in multiple jurisdictions. Staff said the state maintains a statewide database that records meals received so providers must ensure an individual does not exceed the per‑week limit across locations. The committee emphasized that the meal cap and the state’s decision not to amend the contract if meal counts exceed the allotment are operational constraints that increase local financial risk.

The advisory committee also reviewed suggested contribution levels used elsewhere in South Dakota and proposed aligning Mitchell with regional peers. Staff presented statewide comparative suggested contributions ranging from $4 to $15 depending on region and program. After discussion the committee voted to recommend a $5 suggested contribution for people 60 and older and $8 for people under 60; members noted congregate residential sites (Greenridge, Meadowlawn, Wesley Acres and similar) follow state rules and may have different rates for residents living on site.

The committee recorded these related details and next steps: the new contribution rates would take effect when the new state contract begins on Oct. 1; the committee will forward the recommendation to City Council for final approval; staff will continue to press state and legislative contacts for clarity on funding and to seek local partners’ contributions if needed.

Other program updates discussed at the meeting included the termination of meals service at Cathedral Square after that site declined to continue paying for a site coordinator amid funding cuts. Staff said the site averaged about eight meals a day; eligible participants 60 and older were offered free bus rides to the James Valley Community Center so they could continue receiving meals there.

Staff also reported other program records: a Department of Human Services subrecipient desk review returned zero findings on administrative, financial and operational documentation; a Department of Health food safety inspection returned a 100% score; and Mitchell Area United Way awards included $7,000 for the James Valley Community Center programming and $2,000 for the adult nutrition program participant donation fund. Staff said Mitchell received no United Way award for the Mitchell volunteer program this cycle.

The committee recorded that staff had gone to meetings in Tripp, Parkston and Hutchinson County and engaged with state legislators and staff—identified in the meeting as Representative Muckey, Paul Muscivens and Jessica Baumiller—to seek clarity and assistance on the funding changes.

Votes at a glance - Motion: Recommend the City Council raise adult nutrition suggested contributions to $5 for people 60 and older and $8 for people under 60. Mover: committee member (unnamed). Second: committee member (unnamed). Vote: Jay — yes; Penny — yes; Wendy — yes; Sarah — yes; Christy — yes; Jan — no. Outcome: recommendation approved (5–1). Note: final approval rests with City Council; effective date tied to new state contract on Oct. 1.

What happens next: The committee will forward its recommendation to City Council and continue outreach to neighboring jurisdictions and state representatives to address potential shortfalls and clarified contract terms.