Council gifts surplus vehicle to South Dakota Urban Indian Health amid public accusations

The Sioux Falls City Council voted Oct. 16 to declare a city vehicle surplus and authorize gifting it to South Dakota Urban Indian Health to support street outreach services. The motion passed by council voice vote, recorded 8–0.

Michelle Treasure, the city’s homelessness services coordinator, told council the fleet team identified a vehicle still suitable for outreach work and that the gift would help the recipient replace leased vehicles and provide transportation for clients to shelters, appointments and services. Treasure said the decision supports the street outreach contract the council had previously approved on the consent agenda.

During the public comment period, an attendee alleged the nonprofit had “taken the $75,000” from a pilot program and failed to provide data or results. The commenter said the program did not show numbers, that leadership had turned over, and demanded accountability from the council. The allegation was presented as a citizen’s account; the meeting record does not include documentary evidence of the missing funds.

Monica, introduced in the meeting as the program manager for the recipient organization, described a program refocus, said staff were meeting weekly to track key performance indicators and said the surplus vehicle would help “get relatives where they need to be,” particularly with upcoming winter challenges.

Council discussion focused on confirming the vehicle met the recipient’s needs and that staff would continue oversight of the contract. Council then moved and approved the gifting motion; the vote was recorded as 8–0.

What’s next: The transcript records the council’s authorization to gift the vehicle and public allegations that require follow‑up. The $75,000 claim appears in public comment and was not substantiated during the meeting; city staff did not present financial documentation for the earlier pilot in the recorded discussion.