Council advances police radio supplemental appropriation amid questions over unused debt‑service funds

Police Chief John Toome told the Sioux Falls City Council on Nov. 18 that the police department can achieve a roughly $300,000 savings on future radio purchases by buying additional LTE/Wi‑Fi capable radios before year end. He asked the council to approve a supplemental appropriation to use available capital/debt‑service funds, including money freed by a delayed bond, to make the purchase.

Chief Toome said previous purchases provided 152 upgraded radios and noted improved performance in schools, hospitals and other previously poor‑coverage locations. He said the purchase would reduce the need for additional towers and would improve field coverage for public‑safety personnel. Toome told councilors the city has a trade‑in plan and would retain some older radios for office or non‑field use.

Councilors sought details about whether funds for radios had been included in the capital plan and whether reallocating them would undercut other priorities that had faced cuts during budget deliberations. Director Pritchard explained capital funds and debt service differ from the general fund; while some capital reductions were made during the budget process, delayed bond debt service created near‑term available balance that could be used for this purchase. Councilor Veil said he intended to support sending the item to second reading but noted it raised transparency concerns: he asked how roughly $1,000,000 in available funds could appear shortly after the council adopted a budget with cuts.

After discussion, Councilor Cole moved to set the ordinance for a second reading on Dec. 2, 2025; Councilor Sigurdi seconded and the motion passed 6–0, advancing the supplemental appropriation for further consideration. Staff said they would return with the formal ordinance and details at second reading.