County Funding Proposals Set to Be Considered by Lawmakers

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Two measures that would give more money to South Dakota counties are facing their first tests in the Legislature.

The separate proposals are set to go before two legislative committees Wednesday.

Cash-strapped counties are looking to lawmakers this session to help keep pace with rising costs, frequently for courts and jails.

The pair of proposals would allow them to impose a sales tax and would distribute alcohol revenue from the state to the counties.

Republican Rep. Elizabeth May says she expects her sales tax bill to fail in committee and plans to attempt to revive it later.

Sen. Bob Ewing is a Republican from Spearfish. Ewing says he's hopeful the redistribution of alcohol revenue will be approved by the committee.

Gov. Dennis Daugaard's spokeswoman has said he opposes both measures.

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