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Council approves budget, union wage addenda, licenses and several developer agreements
Summary
In a single meeting the council adopted the 2025 annual appropriation ordinance, approved addenda to multiple bargaining agreements increasing 2025 wages by 3%, granted numerous liquor license approvals and renewals, and moved a one-year franchise extension with Northwestern Energy to first reading.
Mitchell City Council took a string of routine and substantive actions, including adopting the Annual Appropriation Ordinance O2024-411, approving wage addenda for multiple bargaining units, granting liquor and special-event licenses, and approving developer agreements and other items.
Budget and wages: After a second reading with no substantive changes, council adopted Ordinance O2024-411 (Annual Appropriation) as the city’s 2025 budget. Council also approved addenda to bargaining agreements that raise wages for 2025 by 3% for IAFF (firefighters), Teamsters (police and communications officers) and AFSCME (general city employees), with eligible employees also receiving up to a 2% performance-based increase as described in the packet.
Licenses and renewals: Council approved multiple liquor license transfers and special-event licenses (including Corn Palace Shrine Club events on 11/30, 12/07 and 12/31) and a retail malt-and-farm-wine license for Mitchell Meat Lodge (904 E Bruce St). The council approved renewals of 2025 liquor and medical cannabis dispensary licenses (Genesis Farms LLC, The Flower Shop LLC, Raftus Enterprise Mitchell). Staff advised that renewals showed no substantial changes; the council agreed to revisit operating-hour limits for cannabis outlets (current ordinance sets hours similar to pharmacies). Emmett Reistraffer of Genesis Farms asked the council to consider a 10 p.m. closing to match neighboring cities; staff said the ordinance can be revisited.
Developer agreements and TIFs: Council approved developer agreements related to tax increment districts (Palace Brewing TIF and Mad Garage LLC TIF) and later adopted Resolution R2024-75 for Golden Prairie Apartments LLC (see separate article). Staff explained these agreements typically pass increment to developers under a 20-year structure and include reporting and certification requirements.
Franchise and other items: Council approved first reading of Ordinance O2024-012, a one-year franchise extension with Northwestern Energy to allow staff time for a broader review of franchise terms. Council also approved a grant agreement for Palace Transit operating funds (SD DOT GRAMA funding) and updated transit fares for weekends and out-of-town trips.
The council recessed into an executive session at the meeting’s end; the mayor said no action would be taken after the executive session.
