Residents at Pipestone County hearing criticize taxes and sheriff coverage; commissioners pledge follow-up

A vocal public-comment period at a Pipestone County Truth in Taxation meeting featured sharp criticism of property tax increases and local law enforcement coverage.

"I figure it cost me 1,000 dollars more every year to live in this county," said Daryl Heard, who followed with a direct criticism of the sheriff’s office, saying, "Right now, our sheriff's department is worthless." County Administrator Steve Ewing responded, "I'm sorry you feel that way," and told Heard he would raise the complaint with the sheriff.

Heard alleged deputies rarely patrol Woodstock during daytime hours and said he believes his name was broadcast over scanner traffic when he reported concerns. Ewing and other commissioners responded that callers can make anonymous complaints to the sheriff’s office and said staff would pass Heard’s concerns to Sheriff’s staff for follow-up. A commissioner also pointed to past emergency responses as evidence of deputies’ work.

Another commenter, Tyler Fritti, thanked commissioners for the work to reduce the levy and asked what the county is doing to attract commercial employers and housing. A commissioner and other speakers said workforce shortages and housing availability constrain recruitment, and they described local efforts such as tax deferments for new construction and marketing of former industrial sites.

Why it matters: public comment at Truth in Taxation hearings is the formal opportunity for residents to question levy and budget decisions; the criticisms voiced at this meeting highlighted both affordability concerns and public-safety perceptions that county leaders said they would investigate.

What happens next: officials said they would follow up on the specific concerns raised during the meeting and that the board will adopt the final 2026 budget and levy at its Dec. 23 meeting.