It seems we are rolling in the dough;

Sales tax revenues in Sioux Falls were up 2 percent in February over the same month in 2008, a welcome change after revenues decreased by 1.9 percent the month before.

And the entertainment tax revenue was up to, and everyone’s favorite rule-skirter chimed in;

Kant said he hasn’t seen a slump yet.

“I really think that sometimes in a down economy, people are looking to go out and have a good time, a bite to eat or have a drink,” he said. “People refuse to hole up in the house. Sioux Falls has always been a resilient city.”

And they all come down to my place and smoke $15 dollar cigars and have a glass of $9 scotch then spill douche all over themselves. Come down and join the fun.

But the jobless rate jumped in Sioux Falls – So who is spending this money? Probably people going to Kant’s bar.

Sioux Falls’ unemployment rate breached 5 percent in February, surprising more than a few area economists.

 

Heading into March, there were 4,470 people in the city looking for work out of a labor force of 88,050, according to the state Labor Department.

But what are the underemployed numbers? Would be nice to know.

That’s a 5.1 percent unemployment rate – up dramatically from the 2.8 percent rate a year ago.

“To go over 5 percent for the city, at least this quickly, I’m a little surprised,” said Ralph Brown, professor emeritus of economics at the University of South Dakota.

And Michael Keller, dean of the Beacom School of Business at USD, added: “Absolutely … that’s very significant.”

Unemployment numbers typically rise in the winter months as construction and road projects wind down, Brown said. But there’s no ignoring the jump from February 2008 to the same month in 2009, he said.

 

“That does indicate a real problem,” he said.

Hmmm, wonder if anyone is listening at city hall. As long as everyone keeps going out to eat, smoking cigars and drinking scotch, everything is fine and dandy. It seems whenever problems arise in Sioux Falls that affects actual citizens, like unemployment, the city leaders smoke screen the problems by talking about the positives, like the tax revenue increase. Instead of holding economic forums that focus on how we can raise retail taxes to build an events center and give developers a tax break they should be focusing on new jobs. The trickle down philosophy obviously isn’t working anymore (giving those at the top tax breaks in hopes they will supply jobs to the rest of us working stiffs) – it’s time to focus on the citizens and employment, not playgrounds and tax breaks for the rich.

It also looks like Munson might have to pull out those contracts he signed with RedFlex, and figure out what the Hell he was doing on the days he signed them;

Now, more than two years later, the mayor of Sioux Falls has been ordered to testify in I.L. Wiedermann’s lawsuit over the city’s red-light cameras.

 

Despite his attempts to stay out of court, Mayor Dave Munson must provide sworn testimony in the form of a deposition, Circuit Court Judge Kathleen Caldwell ruled Monday.

Munson’s lawyer doesn’t think he should have to testify, even though Dave’s John Hancock are on those contracts;

Rapid City lawyer Aaron Eiesland, who represents Wiedermann, said he wants to know what the mayor knows about the Redflex contract. He says that Munson has been an important part of the negotiations with the camera system company.

“Mr. Munson signed contracts in October 2003 and November 2006,” Eiesland said. “That indicates he has knowledge of the subject matter.”

Maybe.

15 Thoughts on “Sioux Falls City News (from reliable sources)

  1. Ghost of Dude on March 31, 2009 at 6:37 am said:

    Our lack of even a 1% income tax is what is driving the types of economic development we’re seeing. The city and state have no real interest in attracting high-wage jobs to the state when there would be no revenue coming directly out of such a venture.
    Building more big-box retail chains for out-of-state shoppers keeps the sales tax flowing and keeps creating McJobs for our $12/hr workforce, who then spend their money locally because they don’t make enough to go elsewhere.

  2. l3wis on March 31, 2009 at 6:39 am said:

    Like to Neil Diamond concerts in Sioux City where they have to buy cokes?

  3. Ghost of Dude on March 31, 2009 at 8:10 am said:

    Actually, The Offspring are playing there soon. They’re also playing in Rapid City. I wonder why they aren’t playing in SF…

  4. l3wis on March 31, 2009 at 8:17 am said:

    Because there isn’t a club small enough?

  5. Angry Guy on March 31, 2009 at 8:28 am said:

    The Offspring are headlining “Punk Rocks” at Red Rocks this summer with The Vandals and Alkaline Trio… is that venue small enough for you? Huh? Snark ass?

  6. l3wis on March 31, 2009 at 8:32 am said:

    I f’ing lovvvvvvvve the Vandals.

    “Thank God my mom didn’t have an abortion, or my birthday wouldn’t be today.”

    – ‘F’ck You, it’s my birthday’ (The Vandals)

  7. Ghost of Dude on March 31, 2009 at 8:58 am said:

    Watch it, l3wis. The Offspring are one of the few bands I liked in middle school that I still listen to.

  8. Ghost of Dude on March 31, 2009 at 9:02 am said:

    Sorry if that makes you feel old…

  9. I like them, I just didn’t know they were still touring.

  10. Warren Phear on March 31, 2009 at 12:24 pm said:

    “Actually, The Offspring are playing there soon. They’re also playing in Rapid City. I wonder why they aren’t playing in SF…”

    Well…for starters, calling the name of your tour “The Shit Is Fucked Up” tour probably would not play well with our “What would john thune do?” crowd.

    http://roadcrewmag.com/articles/The_Offspring_Hit_the_Road_03,28,09,11,03,50

  11. I still remember when Marilyn Manson played the Pomp Room and there were a few protesters out front, it was right at the time he started to become popular (mostly because churchies kept showing up to his gigs protesting) and after his set, I said to a friend “This band is going nowhere, they f’ing suck.”

  12. Ghost of Dude on March 31, 2009 at 1:05 pm said:

    Yet, despite sucking, they managed to make a lo of money. Sort of like an American Idol story.

    Warren – Is three not a “What would John Thune Do” fan club in RC? I think the tour’s name has ssomething to do with a song title on their latest album.

  13. l3wis on March 31, 2009 at 1:18 pm said:

    At least the American Idols can sing.

  14. Ghost of Dude on March 31, 2009 at 1:59 pm said:

    Debatable.

  15. l3wis on March 31, 2009 at 3:05 pm said:

    What I meant is they have nice voices, they just sing crappy songs.

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