Yankton County approves year-end transfers after debate over $87,000 ambulance payroll gap

The Yankton County Commission voted Dec. 29 to approve year-end departmental transfers to balance the county’s books after commissioners raised concerns about significant payroll overages, including an $87,000 shortfall tied to ambulance payroll.

Commissioners debated how the overage occurred, with staff explaining that one employee’s salary and midyear pay adjustments had not been properly allocated to the ambulance budget. County staff said part of the difference stemmed from a salary of about $30,000 that was not included in the ambulance line when budgets were prepared.

The debate prompted calls for better oversight. Commissioners discussed using contingency funds at year-end and the need for clearer month-by-month reporting so elected officials can spot overruns earlier. One commissioner said the county should “start asking questions” when departments have spent a substantial share of their budgets midyear.

To address recurring budgeting gaps, commissioners agreed to form two small task forces—financial and development—with two commissioners on each panel to produce recommendations on budget monitoring and departmental requests. Commissioners identified volunteers for the financial task force (Ryan and John) and for development (Dan and one other commissioner).

A motion "to approve the transfers as presented" was moved by Commissioner Ryan and seconded by Wanda; the chair called for a voice vote and announced the motion carried.

The commission asked county staff to report back at the next meeting with a clearer accounting of the ambulance payroll overage and recommended actions to prevent similar surprises in future budgets. The task-force work and the requested follow-up were listed as the next steps.