Council OKs utilities and seed money for volunteer-run thrift store

Community Director Ross urged the City Council on Oct. 9 to back a volunteer-run thrift store aimed at keeping donated goods local and funding student scholarships. "We don't have a penny to even give yet," Ross said, describing plans to operate the store under a Badlands RC&D 501(c)(3) and to have students run Friday shifts for retail experience.

Ross told the council the store would accept most donated items except clothing and shoes, and that any profits would be earmarked for scholarships for students who are not in the top 25% academically. She said the operation would open in the Boy Scout building with volunteers staffing Monday through Thursday and students participating on Fridays. Ross described outreach to possible buildings and grant-writing efforts after attending a state grant workshop.

Council members asked about logistics — shelving, 4-H space, snow removal and trash handling — and staff suggested using an existing city dumpster if feasible. After discussion, Tyler moved and Warren seconded a motion to provide the store with city water, sewer and garbage service; the motion carried on a voice vote. Council also approved a separate motion to donate $500 from the general fund (to be routed through Badlands RC&D as seed money) to help buy shelves and start-up supplies; that motion passed by voice vote.

Ross requested permission to return monthly with status updates; council agreed to receive periodic reports on progress and finances. The council did not set a specific long-term subsidy beyond the utility waiver and the $500 seed donation.