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Prospective appointee Zach Dickus introduces himself, urges "responsible growth" amid Smithfield development
Summary
Zach Dickus, a veteran and technology professional, introduced himself to the council and said he wants to help Crooks manage growth responsibly as Smithfield comes online; council discussed potential sales‑tax benefits and emphasized steady growth and recruiting younger council members.
During the meeting's public‑comment portion, Zach Dickus (S2) introduced himself as a veteran who served about a decade in the South Dakota Army National Guard as a sergeant and who works professionally for KBR in technology and operations. He told the council he wants to serve the community and help manage growth responsibly as Smithfield establishes operations near Crooks.
Council members responded by describing potential economic effects and the kind of skills a new council member would need. The Chair (S1) said of Smithfield’s arrival that staff projected a minimum of about $100,000 a year in sales tax revenue from new development and truck-stop activity, saying last year total sales taxes were about $452,000 for the city. Dickus and members emphasized “responsible growth,” with the Chair adding, “We wanna grow, but let's grow it 55 miles an hour, not a 100 miles an hour.” The council encouraged Dickus to consider appointment or petitioning for a seat and noted that appointments last only until the next election if someone is named to fill a vacancy.
