Sioux Falls Budget Hearings | August 18, 2026

The City of Sioux Falls held budget hearings on August 18, 2026, focusing extensively on the 2027 budget proposals for various public works divisions including highways and streets, storm drainage, power and distribution, landfill operations, water, water reclamation, and fleet management. Key procurement-related discussions included requests for additional staff such as a signal technician and landfill supervisor, capital improvement projects like major road and intersection constructions, equipment purchases including motor graders and landfill compactors, and maintenance and replacement plans for city infrastructure. The council also reviewed funding strategies for the Great Plains Zoo and Aquarium, including a proposed $4 million one-time capital contribution from the entertainment tax fund and ongoing operating support. Entertainment facilities budgets were discussed, highlighting capital maintenance projects and operational funding for venues such as the Denny Sanford Premier Center, Washington Pavilion, and the Sioux Falls baseball stadium. The meeting included detailed discussions on funding sources, rate increases for utilities, and the strategic use of grants and sales tax revenues to support large infrastructure and community projects. Several motions and budget allocations were proposed, with follow-up sessions planned to address outstanding questions and further procurement considerations.