Yankton County Commission hears health-plan renewals, ambulance report; approves culvert repair, plats and veterans’ ‘Greenlight’ resolution

YANKTON, S.D. — The Yankton County Commission on Oct. 21 heard presentations on county employee benefits and emergency services funding, approved several routine land and infrastructure actions and passed a resolution honoring veterans.

County leaders focused early attention on employee health coverage as brokers outlined expected rate increases for 2026 and the savings produced by the county’s medical expense reimbursement plan. Dan Johnson of RISD Benefits told commissioners that 86 employees were enrolled in county plans as of Oct. 1 and that Avera’s co-pay single plan is expected to rise about 7.25%, an increase Johnson said equates to roughly $55 per affected single enrollee. Johnson said combined savings from the county’s MERP (medical expense reimbursement plan) were sitting at $43,081.34 through the first 10 months of the year.

"Eighty-six employees in the plan as of October 1," Johnson said, summarizing enrollment figures and the carrier-proposed rate changes.

The nut of that discussion for commissioners was budget pressure: the county’s existing budget-growth cap of roughly 3% conflicts with projected health-insurance increases of more than 7%, a gap several commissioners warned will complicate next year’s budgeting. The chair noted the disparity and urged staff to factor the higher health costs into upcoming budget projections.

The commission then received the third-quarter ambulance report from Troy, who said the service logged 653 patient-care records in the quarter and 1,805 year to date, with September recorded as the busiest month so far this year. Transports accounted for about 69% of calls, and Troy said about 86% of responses were inside Yankton city limits with another roughly 5% in the lake area.

"We had 653 patient care records in the third quarter," Troy said, reporting the quarter’s call volume.

Troy reported third-quarter expenses just over $349,000 and revenue of $287,300, producing a roughly $62,000 deficit for the quarter. He told the commission the service will begin a previously discussed rate increase on Nov. 1 to help close the revenue gap, and he described ongoing grant applications — including a $75,000 request to buy four Lucas automated chest-compression devices should the award be approved.

On infrastructure the commission approved a culvert replacement for a private driveway after a resident reported a two-foot culvert had rusted and created a sinkhole. The body voted to authorize the repair at a cost not to exceed $5,300, to be paid from the Yankton clay ditch fund. "Motion by Wanda, second by Dan to approve the repair ... to spend no more than $5,300," the chair said before commissioners voted.

In land-use business planning staff presented three plats — two replats of Froerich’s addition and the Sinclair addition — each described by legal section and township; commissioners approved all three by voice vote.

Sheriff Preston delivered the sheriff’s office and jail report, noting increased U.S. Marshals contract revenue (about $1,079,715 year-to-date as of September, up from $837,065 at the start of his term) and growth in transport revenue. He also discussed staffing and recruiting pressures common across jurisdictions; commissioners voted to accept the quarterly sheriff’s report.

The commission also unanimously approved a resolution supporting Operation Greenlight, a veterans’ recognition campaign that will place a green light on the county building and a banner to honor veterans and those transitioning from military service. "We are gonna put up a banner and put on some green lights outside the building," a commissioner said during discussion of the resolution.

Other routine items — claims and monthly approvals — were adopted by voice vote. The commission entered an executive session to discuss poor relief and personnel matters, returned and stated explicitly that no action had been taken in executive session, and adjourned.

Votes at a glance

- Approve amended agenda (add executive session covering poor relief and personnel): approved by voice vote (unanimous "aye"). - Approve third-quarter ambulance report: approved by voice vote (unanimous "aye"). - Authorize culvert replacement (private driveway), not to exceed $5,300 from Yankton clay ditch fund: approved by voice vote (unanimous "aye"). - Approve three plats (Froerich replats and Sinclair addition): approved by voice votes (motions carried). - Approve sheriff’s quarterly report: approved by voice vote (unanimous "aye"). - Approve Operation Greenlight resolution (veterans): approved by voice vote (unanimous "aye"). - Approve claims: approved by voice vote (unanimous "aye").

What’s next

Commissioners asked staff to factor health-insurance projections into next year’s budget planning and noted that the ambulance rate increase will take effect Nov. 1. The commission will reconvene for its next regular meeting as scheduled; no formal actions resulted from the executive session at this meeting.

(Reporting in this summary uses figures and direct quotes recorded in the meeting transcript.)