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County officials report stable first-quarter revenues; pooled cash steady despite transfers
Summary
Register of deeds and county finance officers told commissioners first-quarter revenues rose modestly, transfer fees reflect $40.3M in real estate sales, and pooled cash sits near historical norms; officials said a $3.3M transfer of unspent funds is part of normal year-to-year budgeting rather than a structural $3M deficit.
Yankton County officials told commissioners on April 21 that first-quarter revenue collections are tracking well and the county's pooled cash balance remains near historical norms despite a recent transfer of unspent funds.
Brian, the register of deeds, reported 1,383 cash transactions in the quarter (an increase of 175 over the prior year period), 222 deeds (+22), and transfer fees totaling $40,252 — figures he said reflect $40.3 million in first-quarter real estate sales. "We actually had our best ever February," he said, and noted year-to-date transfer-fee revenue is roughly $10,000 ahead of last year.
County finance discussion centered on pooled cash and how end-of-year transfers are sometimes mischaracterized as deficits. Brian said the county transferred $3.3 million in unspent 2025 funds into this year's budget but that, historically, most of those balances are restored by year-end: "Yes, we transferred 3.3 million in unspent 2025 funds to this year's budget, but my calculations tell me we're going to finish the year well over four million and possibly even 5 million as far as our general fund," he said.
Commissioners approved the register of deeds report and later approved the March pooled-cash auditor/treasurer report and the April claims as presented. The commission also received an auditor/treasurer update showing typical seasonal rhythms in general fund balances (low points March 31 and Sept. 30; high points April 30 and Oct. 31 when property taxes arrive).
Officials identified two budgets of concern: court-appointed attorneys (projected $137,000 over) and poor relief (projected $31,000 over). County leaders said those overages should be offset by underspending in juvenile detention and other areas. No immediate budget action was taken; commissioners noted budget cuts made in December should help.
