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Codington County adopts 2012 budget and approves extra prosecutor position
Summary
The Codington County Commission adopted its 2012 annual budget on Nov. 27, 2011, approving a new full‑time deputy state’s attorney position and routine salary step increases. The board set tax levies for the year and directed line‑item transfers to address immediate legal and contingency needs.
The Codington County Board of Commissioners adopted the county’s 2012 annual budget at a Nov. 27 public meeting, approving tax levies and several staffing moves the county says are needed to handle caseload growth.
The board approved a supplemental full‑time deputy state’s attorney position for the States Attorney’s office. States Attorney Dawn Elshere told commissioners her office handled roughly 2,185 criminal files this year and that felony and warrant workloads have increased, leaving limited time for counsel to attend commission or zoning meetings. The board adopted a resolution authorizing the new prosecutor position; funding for the post was included in the 2012 budget the board passed.
The commission also approved routine step increases for a number of county employees and approved transfers from the commissioners’ contingency fund to cover legal and other near‑term expenses. Cindy Brugman, county auditor, said the Department of Revenue has approved Codington County’s 2012 levies, and that the county’s general‑fund surplus sits in the 30% range as staff close 2011 accounts.
The board voted to follow the state auditor’s recommended spending priority and to spend down restricted funds before committed, assigned or unassigned balances. Commissioners emphasized the policy is intended to protect restricted programs and improve audit clarity.
What happens next: The county’s new budget takes effect Jan. 1, 2012. The States Attorney’s office will begin recruiting for the deputy prosecutor position while continuing to handle prosecutions and warrant work. The board said it will monitor caseload and staffing needs in the prosecutor’s office.
Source: Codington County Board of Commissioners meeting minutes and statements by States Attorney Dawn Elshere and Auditor Cindy Brugman.
