DIRECTOR’S NOTES

DAVID REISS | SDML EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Keeping up to date with all the happenings going on in our communities can be a daunting challenge, especially as we roll into the summer season with numerous events, reunions, and programs taking place in the warm summer sun.

The availability of community information, particularly that of municipal governments, their meeting information, and the services they provide to residents, is critical to building trust in city governments and the public servants that work on their behalf. While many larger communities maintain municipal websites, have local newspapers for information dissemination, and have facilities open regularly for the public to access posted city government information and documents, numerous smaller communities do not have as ready access to a community newspaper or maintain a municipal website.

The South Dakota Municipal League has long supported increasing opportunities for cities to disseminate municipal information through different types of media, be it alternatives to website offerings or news media offerings. The reason for this is very simple, no two communities are the same and increasing opportunities to post and disseminate vital government information allows South Dakota cities to serve their residents using available resources and media outlets.

One such resource is the South Dakota Local Governments Boards and Commissions website https://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov, a collaboration between the South Dakota Bureau of Information and Technology (SD BIT), the South Dakota Municipal League, the Associated School Boards of South Dakota, and the South Dakota County Commissioners Association. The local governments web portal is maintained by SD BIT in collaboration with the SD Municipal League and is available as a free resource to local governments across the state to post scheduled meetings, materials associated with meetings, and keep an available record of meetings for the public to access at any time. Posting on the website is not a requirement under state law but affords local government entities an opportunity to engage the public and is an easily accessible and supported alternative to those governments that do not maintain their own website.

To get started, create an account at https:// sdlocalgov.appssd.sd.gov/cms/login.aspx. Once it’s approved, you’ll be able to update your profile and begin posting information. The goal is to have all municipalities post, at a minimum, your minutes for all council meetings.

I also want to encourage you to support your local finance officer and human resources staff to attend their respective trainings, held back-to-back the first full week of June. The association boards and SDML staff are working hard to make both of these trainings meaningful and provide critical opportunities for learning to local government public servants.

Please remember, we are always available to you as a resource for your communities and I urge you to contact us if you have municipal issues or questions at 1-800-658-3633 or via email at david@sdmunicipalleague.org. ■