Sioux Falls has been growing steadily over the last five years. Thursday afternoon Mayor Mike Huether unveiled a 2016 budget that takes a significant leap.

A record $470.6 million is projected for government spending in Sioux Falls next year. Compared with last year’s $407 million budget, the 2016 plan is around 14 percent larger.

On the horizon, Huether encouraged the Council and residents to address how some other city programs are funded primarily by those who use them. “We’ve not increased transit fees since 1996, park and recreation fees since 2005, public parking fees since 2009 and pool fees since 2011.”

Feedback regarding the indoor pool once it’s built especially struck a nerve with Huether. “I heard a comment the other day and I wanted to address it. Because we were considering to charge something to get into our indoor pool, it was being considered elitist. Really? Because you have to pay to get into something, you’re an elitist?

Despite the big number projected for spending next year, the Sioux Falls City Finance Department projected revenues of around $472 million in 2016. Thus, Sioux Falls could conceivably have money left over next year.

Citizens overwhelmingly tell Mayor Huether that infrastructure needs and the park system are the two main areas the city needs to maintain. Sioux Falls plans to outlay about $54 million next year for utility upgrades and $41 million for the streets.

Other priorities for the city include keeping one step ahead of growth. The projected spending for public safety in 2016 tallies $63 million which includes five new officers and a forensic specialist. Annexations will also be high on the city's to-do list next year. To see the full budget plan for next year visit the link here.

As far as a current snapshot, Mayor Huether says there is plenty of money in the city’s piggy bank. Sioux Falls could operate on its reserve fund if it were necessary for four months without collecting any tax dollars during that time.

Progress in the construction arena was also mentioned during the budget address. Signs point to another record-breaking year for construction. June 2015 construction permit numbers tallied $376 million which outpaces last year’s June number of $281 million.

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