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Commission approves most Justice Center FF&E but excludes beverage coolers and refrigerators
Summary
Commissioners approved a trimmed FF&E/operational purchases package for the new Justice Center but voted to exclude under‑counter beverage coolers and refrigerators after public comment criticized the purchases as extravagant amid a larger budget shortfall.
Lincoln County commissioners voted July 14 to approve furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) and operational purchases for the new Justice Center with a specific exclusion: no refrigerators and no under‑counter beverage coolers.
Buildings superintendent John Rombo presented the list of requested items including under‑counter beverage coolers ($659 each), dorm‑style refrigerators priced at about $1,060 and cleaning equipment (auto scrubbers, mowers). Several commissioners and members of the public questioned whether beverage coolers were a necessary expense, noting that most South Dakota courthouses do not include under‑counter beverage coolers and that taxpayers are already being asked to cover a bond that respondents said is roughly $53 million for the Justice Center project.
A citizen speaker said the county budget was about $8 million over projections and urged the commission to scrutinize “wants versus needs.” Another speaker called the proposal “tone-deaf” and described donors and taxpayers who would object to the aesthetic extras. Supporters of equipping a new facility said it is reasonable to outfit a new building once to last for decades.
Commissioner 5 moved to approve the list but to exclude refrigerators and beverage coolers; Commissioner 3 seconded. Roll call was recorded: Putnam — Yes; Schmidt — Yes; Arons — Yes; Otten — Aye; Landin — No. Chair declared the motion carried.
The record shows the commission approved the broader equipment and operations list (minus the excluded coolers/refrigerators) so Buildings & Grounds may proceed with purchases in line with that directive and within the county’s established procurement rules.
