Elizabeth Muilenburg

Sioux Falls

I would like to express some concern about our city’s revenue and financial status. As I watch Mayor Mike Huether’s legislative intentions, through Tracey Turbak’s latest proposals and efforts to gain the Sioux Falls City Council’s approval to move funds around, I see red flags.

First, our budget was proposed with 6 percent expected sales tax revenue growth. However, we have a shortfall, and have attained only 3.2 percent sales tax revenue growth. The latest proposal from the Mayor to the city council is to move money from the city Health Insurance Fund to the General Pension Fund. This is a red flag. To me, it suggests there is an effort to shift funds around to make an appearance of “all is well.”

That, combined with many other red flag issues, such as currently proposed annexations (around 20) and funds they will bring to the city, ignored city streets in very poor condition, lack of snow removal on side streets, slow attendance at the Midco Aquatic Center and thus, poor income, slowed agricultural growth affecting economy, is concerning. Instead of being prudent with our money, it appears the city may be attempting to shift funds around to justify the mayor’s “spend and build it now” agenda.

And lastly, when Mayor Huether leaves office, we are going to be strapped with enormous debt. Think about the big picture. Could something be going on?