Sioux Falls council unanimously appoints Vernon Brown to at‑large seat

The Sioux Falls City Council voted unanimously on Dec. 9 to appoint Vernon Brown to an at‑large council vacancy for a six‑month interim term.

Councilor Bassey nominated Brown and Councilor Spellerberg seconded the nomination. In remarks supporting the nomination, Bassey described Brown as a former two‑term councilor, downtown business owner and active community volunteer.

Vernon Brown spoke to the council and described his past service and reasons for accepting the interim role. He said he was first elected more than two decades ago and emphasized a practical approach to governance: listening, supporting existing projects and working with council and staff through the upcoming transition. Brown said he is not running in the June election.

Several councilors noted they had consulted on the appointment and praised Brown’s experience. The clerk conducted a roll‑call vote and the nomination was approved 7–0. Council then took the formal charter‑required action (resolution) to appoint Brown; an amendment inserting his name passed and the resolution carried 7–0.

Council and staff discussed the start date for Brown’s service. The city attorney indicated he would start next week; in subsequent remarks council staff and the mayor referenced the first meeting in January for the formal seating. The record therefore shows both statements in the discussion; the resolution itself provides the formal appointment and the clerk and staff will confirm the exact start date and administrative details.

What happens next: The council completed the charter‑required appointment and staff will finalize onboarding and scheduling so Brown can begin fulfilling the duties of the at‑large seat for the interim term.