How should Sioux Falls spend $4.6M in leftover cash from last year's budget?

Mayor Paul TenHaken is expected to unveil a spending package Tuesday that would put to use $4.6 million in leftover money from the city of Sioux Falls' 2018 budget.

City Hall earlier this month said it will ask the council to set aside $1 million of the surplus dollars to expedite the purchase of some flood-prone homes near Tomar Park and the Big Sioux River.

A formal appropriation is up for the City Council's consideration during a special meeting Tuesday night at Carnegie Town Hall.

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"We budgeted really conservatively in last year's budget for sales tax growth, and it grew quite a bit more than what we expected," Councilor Greg Neitzert said.

But how to spend the remaining $3.6 million is a question that hasn't yet been answered by TenHaken or his administrative team, which is scheduled to make an informational presentation at Tuesday's 4 p.m. meeting.

T.J. Nelson, deputy chief of staff in the mayor's office, said details about the plan won't be shared until they're presented to the council, but he hinted that some of the council's priorities highlighted in a recent survey will be addressed.

Among the council and administration's top issues is road repair and maintenance. While he didn't commit to using surplus dollars for road construction beyond what's already in the 2019 budget, Nelson said any additional street projects would be more than simply patching potholes.

"We're talking projects that have longevity," he said.

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Some of the surplus dollars could also end up aiding the long-planned triage center, a cooperation between the city, county and other social, mental and physical health agencies and organizations in the community that would serve as a one-stop shop for those who struggle with addiction, homelessness and mental illness.

That'd be welcome news for Councilor Marshall Selberg, who said Monday the triage center, affordable housing initiatives and public safety programs should be considered anytime additional resources become available in city government.

"Affordable housing is something we talk about every year that needs to improve. ... And triage-wise, things in that regard and addiction and counseling and what we can do for citizens," he said. "I hope we're figuring out ways to focus on that." 

The $4.6 million in surplus is about three times as was available last year from the 2017 budget. Nelson said it's likely not all the money will be recommended for allocation. Rather, it'll be kept on-hand in the event more unforeseen needs arise throughout the remainder of 2019, he said.