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Sioux Falls introduces $781 million 2025 budget; council sets second reading for Sept. 10
Summary
Finance Director Sean Pritchett presented the 2025 appropriations ordinance and capital program, touting investments in public safety and infrastructure; council advanced the ordinance to second reading after public comment on property taxes and services.
Sioux Falls — City Finance Director Sean Pritchett presented the first reading of the 2025 Appropriations Ordinance on Sept. 3, saying the administration and council had worked over months on a budget that "is fiscally responsible, committed to service, and invests in our community priorities." The council set a second reading for Sept. 10.
Pritchett said the full 2025 budget, including appropriated and non‑appropriated funds, totals about $781,000,000 and that the tax‑supported appropriations — the legal appropriation authority by fund and department — total roughly $498,900,000. He said the budget anticipates revenue growth, programs a 3% state certified CPI plus growth and programs debt‑service expectations tied to planned capital projects.
Key priorities Pritchett highlighted include public safety (the plan includes hiring seven new police officers and planning for future fire station needs), infrastructure maintenance and strategic investments such as activation of Jacobson Plaza and a possible future convention center land acquisition. He also noted potential capital projects under consideration, including a recreation center and an outdoor aquatics center.
Councilors asked clarifying questions about debt service related to potential aquatics bonds and how debt service is reflected in the capital improvement program (CIP). Pritchett said debt service is programmed into the sales‑tax fund and estimated that about $6,000,000 per year is attributed to overall debt service in the capital plan; he added that if a bond did not move forward, the appropriated debt‑service funds could be reallocated.
Members of the public used the first‑reading presentation to raise concerns about property taxes, affordability and city priorities. Jim Stein argued property taxes are too high for many residents and proposed freezing property taxes for seniors; other commenters urged the city to prioritize housing renewal in the Mercado area and to consider tradeoffs in parks and pool spending.
After discussion, council voted to send the appropriations ordinance to its second reading on Sept. 10 by unanimous vote.
