In Other Words: S. Dakota’s counties find themselves at crossroads

County government, like all levels of local government, is experiencing challenges in delivering services and fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities. Counties, especially, were given specific duties in our state constitution.

Some of these include law enforcement, criminal prosecution, criminal defense, criminal incarceration, public welfare, and public safety as well as public transportation. The cost of these essential services has risen dramatically — much faster than the revenue to support them.

With our economy in its present condition, everyone readily understands the financial pressures that families are experiencing along with local government.

However, the current conditions are not new to counties. The rising demand for services, better roads, and criminal prosecution has stretched county budgets for years, in many cases exhausting county reserves and necessitating a need for an opt out.

County revenue sources are limited to property taxes, wheel tax, and fees for services. The portion of property tax that counties receive is anywhere from 12 to 16 cents per tax dollar with the remainder going to schools, townships and municipalities. The counties do not share in sales/use tax that goes to the state and municipal government.

Additional revenue to meet local requirements could be obtained from increasing vehicle registration and license plate fees.

The increase in these two areas has been talked about for years. However, few, until now, have had the political courage to step up and recognize the needs.

The State Transportation Committee put this issue in the forefront for public debate. After months of research and input this committee has documented its findings and is recommending an increase in the vehicle registration and license plate fees (South Dakota’s fees are the lowest in the Midwest).

Knowing how South Dakotans feel about increased fees and taxes, and given that this is an election year (and given the economic conditions), you may ask what these devoted public servants are thinking.

Answer: They are thinking of you and me and helping to maintain local government and keep our roads from sliding back and being poorly maintained, thus putting the vital infrastructure so far behind it will take a much larger tax increase to catch up.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

For this committee to make these recommendations shows political grit and putting the public welfare ahead of a popular political gain. For those of use who recognize the financial condition of local governments, we need to step up and support the Transportation Committee’s resolve to shoulder the message that the need is there and this solution is fair and just.

Jim Schmidt is a member of the Lincoln County Commission.

Jim Schmidt is president of the South Dakota Association of County Commissioners.

In Other Words features opinions from contributors who have areas of special interest or expertise. Material should not exceed 600 words and can be sent to The Daily Republic, 120 S. Lawler St., Mitchell, S.D., 57301, or e-mailed to dailynews@mitchellrepublic.com.

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