Huron local news summary

Police union contract ratified with 3 percent wage increase

City workers union agreement adds protections against sick leave abuse

Settlement reached to close out delayed transfer station project

Utility conflicts drive cost increase for downtown streetscape

Jersey Avenue drainage project finalized under budget

New water and wastewater rates to take effect Jan. 1

Water department secures new dump truck despite price hike

Commission approved election schedule changes

Sewer replacement project on Waibel Drive finalized

Wastewater system technology upgrade completed

Holiday trash collection schedule announced

Centenarian honored by city commission

Police union contract ratified with 3 percent wage increase

HURON, S.D. — The commission unanimously approved the 2026 collective bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #3. The one-year contract includes a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment and step increases for eligible officers. Additionally, the agreement updates language regarding holiday accruals, increasing maximum substitute holiday accruals from 40 to 48 hours, and modernizes definitions by replacing the "detective captain" title with "deputy chief" to reflect current staffing structures.

City workers union agreement adds protections against sick leave abuse

HURON, S.D. — A new two-year contract with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees was approved, securing a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment and step increases for general city employees in 2026. A significant change in the agreement addresses the sick leave bank, clarifying that it is intended for bona fide illnesses or injuries. The new language stipulates that suspected fraud or abuse of the bank may result in disciplinary action, a measure negotiated to ensure the system provides income protection without being misused.

Settlement reached to close out delayed transfer station project

HURON, S.D. — The commission approved a final change order and a global settlement agreement with general contractor Northstar Logistics LLC (dba Sentry Crane) regarding the construction of the Huron Transfer Station. Due to delays in completion—complicated by wind damage to the structure earlier in the build—the city approved a deduct change order of $120,000 to cover additional consulting fees and costs incurred by the city. The approved settlement agreement and release are designed to protect the city from the contractor returning later to claim damages, finally closing out the 2023 project.

Utility conflicts drive cost increase for downtown streetscape

HURON, S.D. — The ongoing Dakota Avenue Improvements project requires an additional $22,165 following the approval of a change order for BX Civil and Construction. City Engineer Brett Runge explained that crews encountered unknown utility conflicts and private sewer and water lines in the downtown area due to limited historical records. Despite this increase, Runge noted that a substantial deduct change order of approximately $180,000 is expected in January to balance unused quantities, which should bring the total project cost back closer to the original bid price.

Jersey Avenue drainage project finalized under budget

HURON, S.D. — The Jersey Avenue drainage improvements near the 3rd Street Dam have been completed, with the commission approving a final change order. While winter conditions necessitated an extra $7,300 for heating blankets and ground thawing to pour concrete, unused quantities elsewhere in the project offset these costs. The final project total came to $231,636, which officials confirmed remains under the original budget despite complications regarding railroad permits and weather.

New water and wastewater rates to take effect Jan. 1

HURON, S.D. — During a departmental update, Utilities Commissioner Rhonda Klute announced that the Water and Wastewater Department has completed a five-year rate study. As a result of the study's findings, new utility rates are scheduled to go into effect on Jan. 1. The department also recently received the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Secretary's Award for Drinking Water Excellence for the 24th consecutive year.

Water department secures new dump truck despite price hike

HURON, S.D. — To beat rising prices and long lead times, the commission approved the purchase of a 2027 Freightliner dump truck from I-State Truck Center for $154,903. The cost exceeded the budgeted amount of $150,000, requiring the difference to be covered by water department reserves. City Engineer Brett Runge advised that securing the contract before the end of the year was necessary to lock in pricing for the vehicle, which is scheduled for use in 2026.

Commission approved election schedule changes

HURON, S.D. - The city commission unanimously approved the second reading of Ordinance 2277, which aligns local election statutes with recent changes in state law. The ordinance officially moves the city's election date from April to June and adjusts the timeline for when officials take office. Additionally, the language in the city code will be updated to refer to "vote centers" rather than traditional "precincts."

Sewer replacement project on Waibel Drive finalized

HURON, S.D. - The commission authorized a final closeout payment of $230,603.19 to Menning Excavating for the Waibel Drive sanitary sewer replacement project. Shaun Schnathorst, representing the city engineering department, confirmed that the construction work, which took place between Ravine Lake and Waibel Drive, is fully complete. The payment was approved unanimously.

Wastewater system technology upgrade completed

HURON, S.D. - A final payment of $155,825.63 was approved for Micro-Comm regarding the Phase 4 wastewater collection system. The project involved the installation of a new supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, which allows the city to monitor and control lift stations remotely. The city engineer confirmed the system is operational, and the commission voted unanimously to close out the contract.

Holiday trash collection schedule announced

HURON, S.D. - Commissioner Rhonda Kludt announced adjustments to trash collection schedules for the upcoming Christmas and New Year's holidays. Regular Thursday routes will be collected on Wednesday for both Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The rubble site will close at noon on Christmas Eve and remain closed on both holidays but will operate regular hours on the Fridays and Saturdays following the holidays.

Centenarian honored by city commission

HURON, S.D. - The commission paused its regular business to honor Marge Blue, who celebrated her 100th birthday last Saturday. Mayor Mark Robish presented her with a certificate and a medal in recognition of her milestone and her contributions to the community. Blue is a mother of 15 children. "She has shown patience through thick and thin," the mayor said during the presentation.

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