Commentary: House Bill 1245 could help Brookings immensely

For years, communities like Brookings have faced a familiar challenge: how to responsibly fund major public projects without overburdening taxpayers or delaying needed investments.

South Dakota House Bill 1245 represents a meaningful opportunity to change that. This bipartisan legislation gives municipalities the ability — through a vote of the people — to establish a funding mechanism for major capital improvement projects.

During a conversation with Gov. Larry Rhoden last week, I had the opportunity to share how legislation such as HB 1245 could support continued investment in the Brookings community.

The bill would allow South Dakota cities the option to collect a temporary 1% sales tax to pursue large-scale community projects. The sales tax would not be implemented unless 60% of the city residents were supportive of the community project. This voter threshold ensures the voices of our residents are heard.

For Brookings, the impact could be significant. Current estimates suggest this tool could generate approximately $55 million over five years, providing a pathway to advance large-scale community and quality-of-life projects that have remained out of reach due to limited funding options. For example, planned investments like the downtown fire station and a new police facility are currently estimated at around $25 million. Having access to this funding mechanism could allow us to move forward on these priorities while potentially saving taxpayers millions of dollars in long-term interest.

This is about giving communities local control and the flexibility to plan ahead, invest wisely, and respond to local needs with local solutions. I appreciate the Legislature’s work in advancing HB 1245 and the continued partnership between state and local leaders as we work to keep South Dakota communities strong. I appreciate Gov. Rhoden’s consideration of this legislation — which he signed into law on March 18 — and the opportunity it presents to provide municipalities with another valuable tool to support local decision-making.

— This commentary was written by Brookings Mayor Oepke “Ope” Niemeyer.