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Council amends budget first reading to lift Chamber funding to $45,000
Summary
After extended public comment from the Dell Rapids Chamber, the council voted on a motion to amend ordinance 9-48 and increase the chamber allocation from $25,000 to $45,000; the amendment passed by roll call with one recorded no vote.
The Dell Rapids City Council voted to amend the first-reading budget ordinance to increase the Chamber of Commerce allocation from $25,000 to $45,000 following extended public comment from chamber leaders.
Nate O’Brien, identified in the meeting as the chamber board president, told the council the organization ‘‘doesn't get anything out of this other than making an impact for our community and as well as giving back to our community’’ and argued $25,000 would not sustain operations or a paid director. City staff explained the original $75,000 award had been budgeted for operations and to cover an executive director; with that director applying for a city post the council left funds aside and proposed $25,000 for the chamber next year.
During discussion councilors pressed the chamber on membership and revenue. The chamber representatives said memberships are roughly 75 now (peak about 85) and that event costs like Quarry Days were estimated in the $25,000–$30,000 range. One councilor offered the amendment to raise the line item to $45,000; the council took a roll-call vote and the amendment passed with a single recorded no vote.
Legal counsel and staff noted that because the ordinance language changed the council must follow posting and reading requirements for ordinances, meaning the amended first reading will be reposted and the required readings completed before final adoption.
The council did not finalize the second reading at the meeting; staff said the amended ordinance will return for the legally required readings and posting before it becomes effective.
