SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Sioux Falls Police will have extra money to allow officers to work special events in 2020 after a unanimous vote from the City Council Tuesday night.
The ordinance frees up $300,000 for overtime pay for officers who work to provide security during events. Currently, officers tend to be taken off of duties like serving in schools and traffic patrol to provide security for events.
The city originally proposed a plan to charge organizations that run events a fee to cover officer overtime; the city council countered with the plan to take that money out of the city budget instead.
“We as a council do not want the non-profit organizations to be charged for a public service,” Councilor Pat Starr said.
The ordinance only applies to 2020 and only provides the money if it’s needed by the police department.
“I believe we’ll be able to manage the budget responsibly,” Sioux Falls Police Chief Burns said. “This provisional funding, if needed, will be very helpful, and we’re grateful for it.”
Burns pointed out how the lack of an air show and the hiatus of JazzFest make 2020 a lighter year for events than usual.
