Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Brookings public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
20 issues in taxes budget
2027 Dacotah Bank Center Fees
The Dakota Bank Center is projecting a $193,000 year-end operating shortfall, and the council authorized transferring whatever is actually needed from 3B tax fund reserves to cover it. 2026 is the last year the facility's cash management runs separately from city operations.
2027 City Budget First Reading
The city's proposed 2027 budget is $77.4 million — up 6.7% from 2026, mostly due to capital projects like 22nd Avenue Phase III and a new fire truck. The general fund is balanced at $23.7 million with no new general fund staff, and 2027 is the last year of payments to the SDSU Performing Arts Center and Brookings Health System.
Dakota Bank Center budget shortfall
The Dakota Bank Center is projecting a $193,000 year-end operating shortfall, and the council authorized transferring whatever is actually needed from 3B tax fund reserves to cover it. 2026 is the last year the facility's cash management runs separately from city operations.
2027 Capital Improvement Plan
The $15.7 million CIP includes 22nd Avenue reconstruction, the fire platform truck, police vehicles, Fifth Street Gym improvements, and Lions Park playground work — funded mostly by the city's second cent of sales tax.
Sidewalk replacement assessments
Property owners who had the city fix defective sidewalks in project 2025-01 SWR will pay assessments over five years at 4.27% interest; the special assessment interest-rate policy itself was also updated to a Treasury-rate benchmark.
2027 Property Tax Levy
The council gave final approval to certifying the 2027 property tax levy to the county — the number that determines city property tax bills next year.
Research Park at SDSU funding
A split council voted to bump the Research Park at SDSU 2027 budget line back up to $110,000, paid for by trimming the Dacotah Bank Center line — which would be restored with 3B revenues.
Outside agency funding for 2027 budget
The city is giving $274,254 to local nonprofits this year, prioritizing food security and rental assistance. The food pantry declined its allocation this year so other groups could use the money.
Volunteer board management software
The city is going paperless for volunteer board applications with OnBoardGOV — residents can apply online for up to three boards and the public can see board seat histories, some going back to 1996.
Budget Amendment No. 3 to the 2026 Budget
Amends the 2026 budget for a communications intern, Sixth Street median landscaping, and a $100,000 boost to the Growth Alliance for downtown restrooms.
2025 Annual Financial Audit
The city's annual audit came back clean with no findings. The city holds strong reserves — more than eight months of operating costs — much of it saved up for the coming public safety center project.
2026 Budget Amendment No. 4
Ordinance 26-020 would amend the 2026 city budget for the fourth time. Details of the shifts are in the memo.
Property tax abatements
Five abatements totaling about $1,680 across five parcels were on the consent agenda.
Revised Capital Asset Management Policy
A revised policy for how the city manages its capital assets — buildings, equipment, infrastructure — was up for adoption.
Lease of 26 acres of public farmland
The city leased 115 acres of farmland north of the landfill to a White, SD farmer for $326 per acre — about 30% more than before — bringing extra revenue to the solid waste division.
2026 Budget Amendments
Two budget changes were on the docket: Amendment No. 2 (Ordinance 26-015, up for final action) and Amendment No. 3 (Ordinance 26-019, first reading). Budget amendments shift how city dollars are allocated during the year.
Consolidated fee schedule amendment
Resolution 26-027 would amend the city's consolidated fee schedule, touching what residents and businesses pay for city services.
2026 Election Agreement
Starting this year, city elections move to November and run jointly with the county under a new cost-sharing agreement. Early voting stretches from 15 to 45 days, and candidate petition timelines shift earlier.
Conflict-of-interest standards for city officials
The council got training on when members must disclose conflicts and recuse themselves, covering state law, the city charter, and Brookings' stricter local ordinance. The rules apply to the council, boards, and commissions, and criminal liability can attach when public funds are used for personal benefit.
Construction Manager at Risk Contract Reset
The council was scheduled to terminate its agreement with Henry Carlson Construction LLC and seek a Construction Manager at Risk through a new RFP, along with amending the procedures for such projects. This affects how the city manages major construction work.