Director’s Notes

One of the things we hear most often in our training sessions is “This is great information – How can we get it to our elected officials? They really need to know this!” We all know how difficult it is to get the time away from real jobs, all the other activities that come with family and community, and go to a school or seminar, but it is one of the most important things you can do as an elected official.

There are two fantastic opportunities for our elected officials to get better at their jobs, both in July. Budget training sessions, aimed specifically at the mayors, councilmembers and trustees, will be held in four locations – July 6 in Rapid City; July 7 in Pierre; July 13 in Aberdeen; and July 14 in Sioux Falls. We had great reviews on the quality of these sessions last year, so please try to get to one near you. More information and registration forms can be found at sdmunicipalleague.org.

For those who are newly elected, or who’d like to brush up on the basics, the best opportunity is coming up on July 20, in Pierre. The Elected Officials Workshop will take you through ordinances and resolutions, forms of government, dealing with employees, open meeting laws, bids and contracts, and budgeting, as well as other chances to talk with experts and get to hear from other elected officials. It is a full day, and the range of topics doesn’t allow us to delve deeply into any one issue, but it is a great chance to get a broad overview that will allow you to recognize when things are perhaps not going just right – and give you the chance to correct it before it becomes a real problem.

We continue to make other arrangements for the Conference, and think you will find a lot of very valuable content, as well as the chance to meet new friends and greet our old acquaintances. Please make plans now to attend, October 57 in Rapid City.

We have wrapped up another successful HR and Finance Officers’ school, and our thanks to all those who attended and participated in educating these vital groups of municipal officials. Please make the effort to thank your finance officer – they are truly an amazing group of public servants.

Along with wishing our Nation a happy birthday this month, we wish you a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July. Until next month, remember we are always available at 1-800-658-3633 or yvonne@sdmunicipalleague.org.

Yvonne Taylor Executive Director