By 
To the editor,
Signatures are still being gathered so Codington County residents can have what Commissioner VanDusen called an “honest discussion of the issue.” We will be at the entrance to Watertown Foundation Plaza, 217 E Kemp, on Saturday, August 15 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Time is running out.
After speaking with hundreds of residents, very few knew the County Commission passed the 0.5% sales tax. That’s why an open discussion about Ordinance 83 is needed. The Commissioners moved quickly for the ordinance to take effect — just days after the authorizing statute allowed them to take action. Fall River and Brown Counties will let voters decide in November. Codington County could have done the same.
Commissioner VanDusen noted the ordinance can be referred to voters. We agree, and petitions are circulating — but the process is extremely difficult. Once the ordinance is published, citizens have only 20 days to research and write the petition, organize volunteers, publicize the effort, and gather 1,000 signatures. Again within 20 days! No other measure has such a short time frame for the people to participate in democracy.
Ordinance 83 divides taxpayers — homeowners against farmers, renters, and commercial property owners. Homeowners with high-valued homes benefit the most. Lower‑income residents pay more in sales tax; farmers, businesses, and commercial property will see no property-tax relief; renters gain nothing except getting stuck paying the bill with more sales tax.
To sign the petition please contact Shelly Alvine, 605‑881‑1694.
Shelly Alvine
Watertown
