Proposal to cut 3 elected offices in Minnehaha County

SIOUX FALL, S.D. (KELO) -- Two Minnehaha County commissioners are recommending combining the offices of county auditor, register of deeds and treasurer into one new position that would be appointed, not elected.

County board chairman Dean Karsky and commissioner Joe Kippley propose creating a county financial officer to replace the elected offices of auditor, register of deeds and treasurer. The proposal would also change the county administrator's position to a county manager position with day-to-day oversight of departments and department heads.

The commissioners, not Minnehaha County voters, would appoint persons to those jobs.

The proposal for a public vote on what is called Home Rule Charter will be presented at Tuesday's commission meeting.

To Kippley, a move to Home Rule is a natural progression for a growing county.

Kippley also stressed that Home Rule is not a way to raise or create new taxes. The state prohibits counties from installing new ta...