Commissioner Dan moves to add levy discussion; commissioners approve amended agenda

The Yankton County Commission voted to approve its Aug. 28 meeting agenda after adding a short, non-action discussion of the proposed road-and-bridge levy prior to public comment. The motion to approve the agenda as amended was moved by Dan and seconded by Don; the chair called for a voice vote and said the motion carried.

Chair Don opened the public comment period and reviewed county rules: each speaker would have up to three minutes, personal attacks were prohibited and the commission would not engage in back-and-forth during comments. "Public comment is a time for persons to address this body on any subject," the chair said. The amendment to the agenda aimed to provide a transparent, pre-vote explanation of where levy dollars would go if voters approve the measure, according to a commissioner who proposed the addition.

Why it matters: adding the levy discussion ensured the commission could give the public an upfront sense of how levy proceeds might be allocated before early voting begins. The board did not take action on levy specifics at this meeting; it directed staff to prepare presentation materials and a five-year plan that shows scenarios with and without the levy. The commission adjourned at the meeting’s conclusion.