Yankton adopts 2027 rate schedule after Summit Activity Center reports smaller city subsidy, record attendance

The Yankton City Commission on May 12 received a year-end operations report for the Summit Activity Center (SAC) and approved a resolution setting the facility’s proposed rental rate structure for 2027.

Luke Yeomans, Parks Department staff, told commissioners that the city’s general fund covered about half of SAC operating expenses in 2024 and that the year-end transfer from the general fund was $371,716.58. He said 2024 marked the highest annual attendance on record for the facility, a 17.3% increase over 2023.

“The general fund covered approximately 50% of the SAC’s operating expenses. The transfer amount at the end of the day, the final transfer amount that was made was $371,716.58,” Yeomans said. He also said, “Attendance in this facility in 2024 is the highest on record since it’s been built in 1997.”

Why it matters: commissioners have been tracking SAC metrics as part of a task force created after the COVID years to reduce reliance on the general fund and move the facility toward higher cost recovery. Yeomans’ report showed progress on both fronts — revenue rose 8% in 2024 while operating expenses rose 14% — but he emphasized operating costs continue to grow and that the city must balance affordability and service.

Details from the report…