Minnehaha County Commission appoints Bennett Kyte as county auditor

The Minnehaha County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution MC20‑73 on Dec. 1, appointing Bennett Kyte as Minnehaha County Auditor effective Jan. 1, 2021, until the swearing‑in of the auditor elected in November 2022 (first Monday in March 2023).

The appointment followed a search and interviews of four candidates; the Commission cited Kyte’s 37 years of experience in finance and leadership at Citibank when making the selection. Carol Muller, the commission administrative officer, presented the resolution and asked the board to fill the mid‑term vacancy created by the retirement of the current auditor effective Dec. 31, 2020. The motion to appoint Kyte passed on a 5‑0 roll call vote (moved by Beninga; seconded by Heiberger).

Kyte, present at the meeting, addressed the commissioners and thanked them. He said he appreciated the Commission’s decision and said he looks forward to working with the Auditor’s Office staff and starting the position. "I appreciate the Commission and look forward to working with the Auditor’s Office staff and starting my new position," Kyte said.

The resolution directs that Kyte serve until the first Monday of March 2023, when the auditor elected by voters in November 2022 is to be sworn in. The Commission recorded the appointment in the minutes and placed Resolution MC20‑73 on file with the county auditor and register of deeds as required by statute.

The Commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Dec. 8, 2020, when the board will continue routine agenda items and any follow‑up related to administrative offices.