City Council Hears From Fundraisers

A School Supply Drive Sponsored by Edward Jones Investments of Britton generated many items that will be distributed by the Marshall County Food Pantry. Pictured, left to right, Marie Marlow with the food pantry, Tammy Bender, Edward Jones rep, and Britton-Hecla Superintendent Steve Benson. Bender said she’s been doing the supply in town for three years and several years before that in Oakes, ND. Benson noted that the supplies are much appreciated because there is a great need in the community.

City Council Hears From Fundraisers

A special meeting of the Britton City Council was held on Monday. The meeting included three agenda items that were discussed.

The main reason for the meeting was to hold the second reading of an ordinance that would allow the city to adopt the next fiscal year’s budget in November rather September. This is now allowed by South Dakota law. The special meeting was necessary to meet later publication requirements.

The council also revisited the cemetery GPS project. Finance Officer Marie Marlow spoke more with the company who would be doing the project. She explained that they would use sonar to determine where people are buried, including buried urns, and put markers in those locations. Marlow added that she thinks it would be necessary to complete the project on both the ‘old cemetery’ and the Bells addition, which is the southern part. The council approved the approximately $78,000 price tag for the project with the hope the company would be able to get to it this year still.

The newly formed Britton Baseball/Softball Fundraising Committee spoke before the council during the meeting. The group is made up of parents and others who are interested in raising funds to improve the ball fields and the baseball/softball programs. Jenna Peters spoke for the group explaining that there is a lot of work that could be done to fields and surrounding areas, especially with the popularity of the ball programs booming. She noted that the big field needs to be tiled to allow it to be used earlier in the year.

The group asked some questions relating to grant and city funds that were allocated towards adding a fourth field. The project was put on hold when the bid for it came in significantly over the estimate. The fundraising committee asked if they would be able to use some of the funds that were supposed to go towards the project.

Mayor Clyde Fredrickson explained that they really can’t use the funds for purposes other than the proposed project, but added that the city is happy to work with the group on making a plan. He agreed that the council could appoint a liaison to work with the committee. He added that they should also cooperate with Public Works Supervisor George Flannery as a ball park improvement list already exists.

The fundraising group indicated that they will continue to work on their end to make plans and inform the public of their hope to raise money.

Marshall County Journal

PO Box 69, Britton, SD 57430
Phone: (605) 448-2281