SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken is asking the city to build a new fire station with extra tax revenue, along with improvements to roads and parks.
TenHaken’s administration announced a proposal for what to do with over $7.8 million in extra sales tax revenue from 2019.
$3.3 million would go toward a new station in the southeast part of town. The city had originally agreed to take out a loan to pay for the structure.
The proposal also calls for $1.7 million in infrastructure projects and just under $1 million for parks and recreation needs. It keeps the remaining $1.7 million as a reserve fund.
“The economy was strong in 2019, but we need to be prepared if there is a downturn in the months ahead,” TenHaken said in a release. “I’m recommending we add dollars to our Sales/Use Tax Fund reserve to hedge against market fluctuations and invest in some important capital needs in our City. These are shovel‑ready projects and will make an impact today rather than be delayed for completion in future years for Sioux Falls.”
The full spending proposal is below.
Reserve Funds: $1,700,000
Fire Rescue – Fire Station 12 construction projects: $3,300,000
Highways and Streets – 41st Street from Western to Minnesota Avenues asphalt mill and fill: $1,400,000
Highways and Streets – Increase residential slurry seal projects by up to 80 blocks: $200,000
Highways and Streets – Use techcrete patch material on downtown concrete streets: $100,000
Parks and Recreation – Great Bear Chairlift replacement: $800,000
Parks and Recreation – Terrace Park structural repairs: $325,000
Total: $7,825,000
