Councilor wants Noem to reimburse Sioux Falls for costs related to Trump visit

Councilor Theresa Stehly wants Gov.-elect Kristi Noem's campaign to consider reimbursing the city of Sioux Falls for costs associated with President Donald Trump's visit in September.

Stehly said her request is about what's fair for Sioux Falls residents. She's making the request at this point because she has heard concerns from residents about the use of Sioux Falls' law enforcement for Trump's visit to a private fundraising event for Noem's gubernatorial campaign on Sept. 7. The issue has been raised by residents at Sioux Falls City Council meetings during the past month. Stehly said she hasn't heard from Noem's transition team regarding her request.

"It would be a noble, upright and ethical gesture for her campaign to reimburse the citizens," Stehly said. 

Noem's transition team said in a statement that Noem appreciated Trump's visit and "the opportunity to showcase Sioux Falls to him firsthand." She was grateful for the work of the Sioux Falls law enforcement team.

"There was, of course, a cost associated with this work, like there is everywhere the president travels," the statement read. "We are thankful for the city's commitment to being a good host." 

Previously:Trump blasts Sutton and media, raves about Noem during South Dakota visit

Stehly pointed out that some Sioux Falls residents may not have been able to attend the fundraiser because they couldn't afford the ticket or weren't interested in Noem's campaign. 

"These citizens would have been grateful to have seen their president outside of a fundraising venue," Stehly said. "I hope that our president will make a return visit soon that will be free and accessible to all our citizens." 

The bill for the day of Trump's visit came to $29,000 for state and local law enforcement, who assisted the Secret Service by closing streets and providing added security while the president was in town for the fundraiser. The Sioux Falls Police Department was one of several law enforcement agencies who provided assistance that day.

The Sioux Falls Police Department's contribution totaled $20,831, which came out of the department's overtime budget, and Stehly is requesting reimbursement of $20,000 from Noem's campaign. 

While other cities, such as Fargo, have requested reimbursement for costs associated with Trump's visits for private fundraisers, neither the city of Sioux Falls nor the state have formally requested refunds.

T.J. Nelson, deputy chief of staff in the mayor's office, said in September that costs associated with a presidential visit are burdens local governments are expected to carry, regardless of whether it's a campaign event. 

"The department budgets for special events like this each year, and funds were available," Nelson said. "Whenever a president visits Sioux Falls, it is an honor and the city will work with the Secret Service to ensure a safe visit for the president and general public."