SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) - Now that Lincoln County Commissioners voted to raise the sales tax by a half-penny to reduce property taxes, some people might be wondering whether Minnehaha County is considering doing the same.
Commissioners for South Dakota's most populous county say right now they're holding off on the discussion of raising sales tax by a half cent to see how other property tax relief measures play out first.
Commissioner Jennifer Bleyenberg specifically mentioned Senate Bill 245 -- which dedicates three-tenths of a percent of state sales tax to property tax reduction once that tax rate moves from 4.2% to 4.5% in July 2027.
According to Governor Larry Rhoden's website, the estimated dollar savings on a $325,000 home under just that measure would be nearly $550.
"We already know relief is coming, and so we would like to see how that impacts our taxpayers and our property owners," Bleyenberg said.
The commission also plans to start a Financial Action Network later this year, where local community and business leaders take a look at the county's budget.
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"And then over the course of several months they digest all that information, ask questions, follow up, and then make recommendations to us on how to proceed. So, specific topics we would like them to look at for this go-around include the half-penny sales tax," Bleyenberg said.
Bleyenberg says that, in general, she hasn't heard much input from residents in Minnehaha County about whether or not they want the sales tax implemented. However, one Minnehaha County resident whom we spoke to says he wouldn't mind seeing it.
"I'm for it. I'm 100 percent for it, especially if it gives property tax relief to people because I've felt it. I've felt the property taxes go up," John Cady, a Valley Springs resident, said. "It's hard when you're working on a budget and then all of a sudden the next year goes by, and your house payment goes up $200, and you're trying to figure out where am I going to come up with that money."
Bleyenberg also pointed out that there were a handful of bills passed this legislative session that expand eligibility for certain property tax relief programs for people who are elderly or disabled, as well as veterans and their surviving spouses.
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