Huron local news summary

Commission approves water and sewer rate increases

Water main project cut from schedule to lower rates

Solid waste and TIF application fees hiked

City considers new fees for video lottery machines

Railroad permit delays Jersey Avenue drainage project

Memorial Ballpark renovation moves to bid phase

Development plans advance for Gibbs Park and Stony Run

Golf course bridge slated for replacement

First snow alert of season results in four accidents

New tax increment financing district created for hotel project

Commission approves water and sewer rate increases

HURON, S.D. - The city commission voted unanimously to accept a rate study update from Banner Associates, resulting in immediate changes to local utility costs. Under the approved "Option 2" plan, water usage rates will increase by roughly 3.5 percent across the board to account for cost-of-living adjustments and the rising cost of purchasing water. Sewer rates will see a more significant shift, with usage rates increasing between 11.5 percent and 12.4 percent. City Engineer Brett Runge noted that the sewer plan prioritizes usage fees over monthly base charges, meaning high-volume users will shoulder a larger portion of the cost increase, though the minimum customer charge for sewer service is expected to decrease in the first year.

Water main project cut from schedule to lower rates

HURON, S.D. - As part of the water rate study adoption, the commission agreed to remove a major water main project previously scheduled for 2028 from the capital improvement plan. City Engineer Brett Runge explained that deleting this project allowed the city to keep the water usage rate increase at 3.5 percent rather than the 5.5 percent increase that would have been required under "Option 1." Runge noted that while replacing cast iron pipe remains a priority, the city has completed significant water main work recently due to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and can afford to space out future projects to mitigate costs for ratepayers.

Solid waste and TIF application fees hiked

HURON, S.D. - In a separate resolution, the commission approved updated rates for various city services, headlined by a 5 percent increase for all garbage collection and dumpster services. The resolution also includes a substantial increase in the application fee for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts, jumping from $1,000 to $5,000. The city’s finance director explained that the higher fee is necessary to cover the administrative hours and paperwork required for TIF applications. Additionally, the city may implement a $1,000 annual administration fee for managing TIFs moving forward.

City considers new fees for video lottery machines

HURON, S.D. - During the discussion on fee updates, the city’s finance director revealed that the finance office is researching a new ordinance to charge a fee for video lottery machines. The director indicated the proposed fee would likely be $50 per machine, noting that Huron is currently the only first-class city in the state that does not charge for these devices. The ordinance is expected to be presented to the commission soon so it can go into effect alongside beer license renewals in June.

Railroad permit delays Jersey Avenue drainage project

HURON, S.D. - The Jersey Avenue drainage improvement project is 93 percent complete but has stalled due to permitting issues with the railroad. City Engineer Brett Runge told the commission that the city is waiting for a "right of entry" approval to finish a 20-foot segment of the project located beneath a railroad bridge. While the commission approved a progress payment of $114,795 to Vander Pol Dragline Inc., Runge warned that if the permit arrives soon, crews may need to pour cold-weather concrete to avoid leaving a gravel patch over the winter.

Memorial Ballpark renovation moves to bid phase

HURON, S.D. - Commissioner Rich Bragg announced that the engineering department is finalizing bid quotes for the renovation of Memorial Ballpark. The project involves the demolition of the existing facilities at the top of the hill to make way for a new player development center, concession stand, storm shelter and team facility. Bragg described the ballpark as a "crown jewel" and a key entry point to the city, emphasizing that the modernization will serve both the baseball team and the broader community.

Development plans advance for Gibbs Park and Stony Run

HURON, S.D. - Work is officially underway to develop the long-dormant Gibbs Park and the new Stony Run nature area. Commissioner Rich Bragg reported that the city has engaged architecture students from South Dakota State University to create landscape concepts for the area. The project aims to connect walking and biking trails from Ravine Lake through the entire town and out to the new nature area. Public meetings have already been held to gather feedback from neighbors and stakeholders regarding the outdoor wellness expansion.

Golf course bridge slated for replacement

HURON, S.D. - The bridge spanning the 10th hole at the municipal golf course will be completely replaced next year due to safety concerns caused by shoreline erosion. Commissioner Rich Bragg reported that the engineering department has developed a plan for a new bridge structure and concrete work to stabilize the crossing. This project is part of a broader effort to maintain course assets, which recently included bathroom upgrades and the addition of new cart paths.

First snow alert of season results in four accidents

HURON, S.D. - Following the season's first snow alert, the public safety commissioner reported that police responded to four weather-related accidents at intersections. The commissioner reminded residents that during a snow alert, the core area is cleared from midnight to 8 a.m., after which crews move to residential areas. He reiterated the parking protocol: north-south streets are cleared on odd-numbered days and east-west streets on even-numbered days. Residents are also reminded that sidewalks must be cleared within 48 hours of snowfall and snow may not be pushed into the street.

New tax increment financing district created for hotel project

HURON, S.D. - Commissioners approved a resolution creating Tax Increment Finance District No. 8 to support the development of a new hotel in the South Town area. Ted Haeder of the Greater Huron Development Corp. presented plans for a three-story, 74-room Comfort Inn & Suites, noting that a lack of lodging has prevented the city from hosting certain large events. The hotel is expected to generate approximately $108,000 annually in property taxes once completed, which will help retire debt for existing TIF districts in the area ahead of schedule.

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