Minnehaha County sets new salaries for elected department heads

The Minnehaha County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution Dec. 21 that sets new annual base salaries for county elected department heads, citing statutory authority and a desire to attract qualified candidates.

Resolution MC21‑67, presented by Human Resources Director Carey Deaver, establishes minimum base salaries and specific pay rates for five county officers. Under the resolution the State’s Attorney’s pay rate is set at $143,873.60 and the Sheriff’s at $151,049.60; the Auditor, Treasurer and Register of Deeds were set at rates including $120,120.00 for Auditor and $103,646.40 for Register of Deeds. The changes are effective Dec. 25, 2021.

The resolution notes South Dakota Codified Law (cited in the resolution) provides statutory minimums for these offices and states the commission found those minimums to be inadequate for the duties of the positions. Commissioner Barth moved to approve the resolution; Commissioner Bender seconded the motion and the measure passed by roll call vote, 5 ayes.

The commission recorded the action as part of routine business during the Dec. 21 meeting; the resolution specifies how pay will be calculated and paid for weeks in which an elected official begins or ends employment. The new rates will apply to individuals duly elected or appointed to fill a vacancy as of the date of the resolution.

The commission did not at the meeting discuss changes to fringe benefits or set any future schedule for salary adjustments; the resolution itself references statutory citations for local authority over salary setting.