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Lawrence County approves $50,000 severance-tax grant for Manuel Brothers Park electrical upgrades
Summary
The Lawrence County Commission voted to award $50,000 in severance-tax funds to help install locking electrical pedestals at Manuel Brothers Park in Mead, approving a draft MOU and authorizing the chair to sign. Commissioners debated statutory eligibility and potential utility or economic-development partners.
The Lawrence County Commission on a 2025 meeting approved $50,000 in severance-tax funds to help install dedicated electrical pedestals at Manuel Brothers Park in Mead, a county staff packet showed.
A park representative told the board the project would “add nine pedestals of 2 20 and 1 10,” with locking boxes so only authorized vendors can use the outlets to power food trucks and other event vendors. She said the upgrades aim to expand vendor capacity for events including next year’s Fourth of July celebration.
County finance staff told commissioners the severance fund balance was about $432,000 at the end of July, and noted prior commitments that reduce available funds. Commissioner Plattigan questioned whether the request fits the statute that governs severance-tax uses—South Dakota Codified Law 10-39-54.3—because the applicant is a municipal entity requesting county funds. “It’s a government body asking another government body for money,” Plattigan said, noting the law’s purpose to foster economic opportunities for county residents.
Supporters argued the project would attract vendors, visitors and tax receipts that benefit local businesses and county residents. The applicant said the Chamber can track visitor origin and that data could be used to measure whether the investment increased in-county economic activity.
After debate about whether to pursue utility company or city contributions, the board moved to approve $50,000 and to authorize the chair to sign a proposed memorandum of understanding describing how the money will be used and audited. The board recorded votes verbally and by roll call; Commissioner Jennings voted in favor, Commissioner Sleep recorded a “no” on the roll call, and other commissioners verbally indicated assent. The motion carried.
The MOU and any matching or partner commitments were described by staff as conditions to document how the severance funds will be spent and audited. The commission did not direct further conditions beyond the MOU during the meeting.
The county finance office will record the allocation and include the MOU in the spending documentation; staff said they will follow up with the city and utility partners as needed.
