Beresford council roundup: humane-society contract, wages, election date, retirements and meeting schedule

At its December meeting, the Beresford City Council approved several routine contracts and administrative items and set dates for upcoming events and elections.

Contracts and personnel actions: the council authorized renewal of the city’s agreement with the Sioux Falls Humane Society for 2026 impound and animal-control services, with staff citing historic minimal usage and hourly rates of $75 daytime and $120 evening (plus mileage). The council also adopted the proposed 2026 part‑time wage scale reflecting a $0.35 minimum‑wage increase (from $11.50 to $11.85); pool attendant and lifeguard pay was noted for later review in March. The council read and accepted the retirement letter of utility-billing clerk Kathy, who indicated an effective retirement date of Jan. 30, 2026.

Elections and scheduling: staff briefed council on changes to statewide election timing and the requirement to publish a notice of vacancy; council set the municipal election date for June 2, 2026. The council also set a special year-end meeting for Dec. 30, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. (to be cancelled if no business arises).

Other routine business: council set a public hearing date of Jan. 5, 2026 for a one‑day malt-beverage license application from the Beresford Volunteer Fire Department for a planned casino‑night fundraiser. Council also approved a travel request for joint utility training and authorized payment of the bills. Finally, the council moved into executive session under South Dakota law to discuss personnel and contract matters.

Votes at a glance: all listed motions in the transcript passed by voice vote; no roll-call tallies were published in the transcript.

The council’s actions were procedural and routine; follow-up items include staff finalizing contracts, providing notice of the electric-rate change to customers, and reporting back on any staffing adjustments for park/recreation operations.