Yankton County approves $120,000 court budget supplement and 2026 veteran service agreement

The Yankton County Commission voted Dec. 29 to approve a $120,000 budget supplement to cover unexpected court-related costs, including court-appointed counsel and interpreters.

County staff told commissioners that court costs have risen sharply and that much of the expense is state-mandated. One commissioner explained the supplement represents costs the county must pay to meet judicial requirements. The commission solicited public comment on the supplement; none was offered, and the motion to approve the supplement carried.

Separately, the commission approved the county’s veteran service officer (VSO) agreement for 2026. Staff said the county budgeted approximately $68,500 for the VSO while the anticipated state reimbursement is about $4,812.

Both measures were approved by motion and voice vote. Commissioners said the court-cost increase underscores the unpredictable nature of some county expenses and reinforced earlier calls to tighten budget forecasting.