Sioux Falls Keeps Event Center Siding Settlement a Secret

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Advocates of open government are criticizing the city of Sioux Falls for keeping secret the details of a $1 million settlement with Denny Sanford Premier Center contractors regarding bulging metal siding.

City officials announced the settlement Sept. 18, just two weeks after saying they were going to sue.

The city attorney's office rejected a request by the Argus Leader to see the agreement, saying terms of the deal prohibit its public disclosure.

Argus Leader Media attorney Jon Arneson says agreeing to keep details from the public isn't in the best interest of taxpayers.

Issues with the bulging panels began even before the $117 million events center opened a year ago. The city says the problem is one of aesthetics — an investigation concluded the metal siding is structurally sound.

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