I have argued at the Charter Revision Commission that city employees (at least directors, managers and first responders like snowplow operators) should reside in our city because of emergency response. I also think you should pay taxes towards the city that pays your wages.
During the below press conference it was mentioned that snowplow drivers were put up in a downtown hotel to be ready for storm cleanup. We would not have had to do that if 1) they all resided in Sioux Falls and 2) used private contractors to assist.
I’ve been told that the city will pickup snowplow drivers in the city limits to assist, so I am assuming the peeps staying at the hotel were probably out-of-towners.
Once again the city argues my point without even realizing it.
It will also be interesting to see the labor costs the city has incurred paying out overtime instead of contracting with private companies (it has been said city operators have been working 12 hour/7 day shifts since the big storm.)
