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County roundup: JAG spending plan, absentee ballot task force recommendations and routine approvals
Summary
At its Aug. 25 meeting, the Minnehaha County Commission approved a Byrne JAG spending plan splitting $115,681 between the Sioux Falls Police and the Sheriff’s Office, heard an Absentee Ballot Task Force report, approved personnel actions and an alcohol license, and recessed into executive session before adjourning.
Minnehaha County commissioners on Aug. 25 approved several routine and programmatic items, including a Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) joint spending plan, personnel actions and an alcohol license, and heard an Absentee Ballot Task Force report.
Byrne JAG spending plan: Deputy Sheriff Captain Joe Bosman presented a joint plan for the 2020 Byrne JAG allocation totaling $115,681. The City of Sioux Falls, acting as fiscal agent, will receive 65% ($75,192) to purchase items listed in the plan for the Sioux Falls Police Department — including training tourniquets, gas masks, helmets, cameras and water rescue equipment — and Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office will receive 35% ($40,489) for protective equipment, gas mask filters and voice boxes, less-lethal launchers and munitions, use-of-force reporting software and conducted electrical weapons-related items. The Commission approved the plan by roll call: 5 ayes.
Absentee Ballot Task Force: Auditor Bob Litz introduced Kameron Nelson as the Absentee Ballot Task Force Representative. Nelson summarized recommendations developed across three meetings (July–Aug. 2020) that focused on process, security, labor, space, funding and communications. Litz responded to questions about ballot drop boxes, handling of multiple absentee ballots returned together, and spoiled ballots. The report was presented for consideration; no formal county action was recorded in the minutes.
Other actions: The Commission approved multiple personnel items including new hires (correctional officers, variable-hour election workers), step increases and corrections to prior memos; it also created a new JDC Training and Compliance Officer classification at pay grade 14 (MOTION carried 5-0). Deputy Auditor Olivia Larson presented and the Commission approved a Consume & Blend alcohol license for a wedding at the Izaak Walton League on Sept. 19, 2020 (MOTION carried 5-0).
The meeting included liaison reports and a COVID-19 update from Jill Franken of the City of Sioux Falls Health Department. Commissioners recessed and reconvened, entered executive session pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2 (1), (3) and (4), and adjourned (all motions passed 5 ayes).
