President’s Report

Many thanks to all the communities that hosted SDML district meetings! It was an adventure across all corners of the state! I loved seeing different communities and the pride each city had in hosting the meetings. Thank you for your willingness to showcase your city with me!

I am going to use this column this month to attempt to touch on a serious topic. And that is the financial wellbeing of your community. After visiting with many elected and appointed officials and the fact that there is always a turnover of finance officers and elected officials at this time of year; I think we need to remind ourselves of the responsibilities we have to assure the transparency of our finances. I have had conversations with Yvonne Taylor and Rod Fortin (SD Department of Legislative Audit) on how we, as the SDML, can help educate officials in the severity of this issue. A resounding common factor that I have seen is—if you do not understand the finances (monthly reports, computer software, etc) ASK for HELP. There are people (and agencies) available to answer your questions.

Elected officials: Make sure you are receiving the proper monthly reports for your review. A cash report that is reconciled to the bank balance. A list of claims for approval by the council— in order to pay bills. A recap of revenue and expenses should be given to you each month. Big city or small; we all follow the same guidelines/rules and regulations.

Appointed officials: Finance officers can access the SDML List Serve for answers to all sorts of questions. Other finance officers are always willing to lend a hand. And of course, the SD Department of Legislative Audit is the resource available to you for accounting questions and problems.

If it seems I have jumped on my soap box, it is because I want to have cities remember the challenges they face financially. We have a responsibility to our citizens to comply with procedures (legal and financial) that are essential for municipal government relations.

Mark your calendar!

We hope to discuss this more in depth at both the SD Finance Officers’ School in June and the SDML Conference in October. If you have any thoughts or comments on this topic; please feel free to contact me.

The SDML presents: Budget Trainings for Finance Officers & Elected Officials

Until next month, remember: “Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.” — Benjamin Spock

Jeanne Duchscher President

July 15 – Ramkota, Rapid City July 16 – King’s Inn, Pierre July 22 – Ramkota, Aberdeen July 23 – Ramkota, Sioux Falls

Visit www.sdmunicipalleague.org/sdmlevents for the agenda and registration.

ARENS ENGINEERING

municipal engineering water & wastewater engineering storm drainage - municipal streets Vernon Arens, PE 230 Capitol St. j Yankton, SD j 57078 605-665-2002 j Fax 605-260-2140 arenseng@iw.net