BELLE FOURCHE—The Belle Fourche City Council held its first meeting of the month on Monday, February 2. In the Mayor’s Report, Mayor Randy Schmidt thanked City employees for their collaboration with the school in making the girls’ wrestling tournament at the Rec Center a success.
During community input, Raymond Allen expressed concern that city service rates have increased from about $60 to nearly $100 per month in eight years, outpacing Social Security cost-of-living increases and straining seniors on fixed incomes. He said many older residents cannot return to work and are being squeezed by rising expenses.
Chuck Lawless presented the Mayor and Council with a certificate from Belle Silver Linings in appreciation of the City’s support.
The Chamber of Commerce reported that the Chamber has moved to 713 6th Avenue while welcoming two returning and two new board members and updating its strategic plan. Recent activity includes new member additions, the January 31 Legislative Cracker Barrel, and upcoming events such as the February 3 BC Excavation ribbon cutting and the February 13 Annual Banquet and 115th anniversary celebration.
The Chamber is also receiving summer visitor inquiries and expects the Heroes Honor Ride to return in August with more details to follow. The Museum & Visitor Center reported that in January, 201 visitors from 15 states and one foreign country, Bosnia and Herzegovina, were recorded despite the facility being closed the first week for annual cleaning.
Two new exhibits were created and two others were refreshed during this time. The facility also hosted a successful mid-month rental for Monument Health, added several future rentals, and opened new exhibits that drew positive attendance—though one program saw lower turnout due to severe wind.
Upcoming activities include the premiere First Saturday Brunch of the year, theater auditions and performances, youth and family programs, and the Rural Expressions Photography Contest reception at month’s end.
Clark Sowers with the Belle Fourche Senior Center reported being very impressed with the recent turnaround at Belle Silver Linings, noting improved finances, an active and committed board, and positive progress that benefits both the organization and the community.
The Council approved participation in the South Dakota Department of Transportation’s Bridge Reinspection Program, which requires a 20 percent city match.
A reminder was given that petitions for Ward 1, Ward 2, and Ward 3 may be picked up starting February 6 and are due back by March 6. City Finance Officer Tonsager gave a budget update. He stated that the report was adjusted to compare expenditures to the percentage of the year remaining, noting most major funds are in good standing (Fund 211 is higher due to a baseball field lighting loan payment, and January expenses were heavier than usual because of several large annual bills); overall, the funds are expected to remain within acceptable ranges. Councilperson Brunner informed the Council he would be absent from the February 17 meeting. Councilperson Steeves reminded citizens to verify that their voter registration is current, noting they may check their registration online or complete any necessary updates at the County Auditor’s Office.
Councilperson Sowers reported attending the Cracker Barrel on Saturday, noting it was well-attended and thanking the Chamber for hosting. He stated that property taxes were a frequent topic of discussion and that Lee Capp later contacted him with an idea regarding potential property tax relief for senior citizens, which he said may warrant further discussion.
City Administrator LaFayette informed the Council of the housing study packets provided to each member and noted that key takeaways were summarized on the first page. City Attorney Willert introduced Samuel Savory, who was in attendance with his Trail Life troupe while working on a citizenship badge focused on civic participation and good government involvement.
Mayor Schmidt closed the meeting by thanking City staff for their work in transitioning to the Tyler Financial system.
The next regular City Council meeting will be held Feb. 17.
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