MITCHELL, S.D.(KMIT)- The June 2024 election date for the Lake Mitchell Project will stand after the Mitchell City Council last night voted 5-3 in favor of keeping the date as voted on last month. The issue is whether the city can pursue a $25 million loan for the project, which would include cleaning and dredging Lake Mitchell. Mitchell Mayor Bob Everson had proposed moving the election date to November 7th of this year. The election date could have an effect on a multi-million dollar grant for the project according to City Public Works Director Joe Schroeder (sh-ray-dur).
Councilman John Doescher (doe-sure) expressed concern that a single-item election’s voter turnout would be far less than a general election’s voter turnout. A November election would be a special single-issue election. The June 2024 election is a general election. There was also concern that a November date is too soon for the public to get enough information on the project. Councilman Jeff Smith disagreed.
Councilman Marty Barington said a decision needs to be made on the project for budgetary reasons.
None of the council members changed their votes, with Mike Bathke (bath-key), Tim Goldammer, Kevin McCardle, John Doescher, and Dan Sabers voting to keep the June 2024 election date.