SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Residents in South Dakota's largest city narrowly approved a plan Tuesday night to use money from an existing city sales tax to build a $115 million events center.
Sioux Falls Mayor Mike Huether, who was scrutinized for his outspoken support of the controversial measure, said he was proud of the city's residents, who approved the plan with 58 percent of the votes, according to the count posted on the city's website.
"This is one day in our city's history that we will remember for a long time," Huether said at a press conference after the final votes were tallied. "This is certainly one of those journeys in life that I personally will not forget."
Supporters of the 12,000-seat center said it would energize the economy and draw more sports and entertainment events to the city. Opponents said the city should be focusing on areas other than entertainment and were disappointed that the center wouldn't be downtown.
The proposal has caused controversy in Sioux Falls because of its price tag and because Huether showed his support by passing out fliers created with city money. One resident filed an ethics complaint, claiming Huether was in violation of state law and a city charter because he used public money for presentations favoring the center.
Before the polls closed Tuesday evening, some residents took to the streets to try to sway voters.
Holding a handmade cardboard sign with "Vote No" written on it, Kristy Milne stood near a busy Sioux Falls intersection for more than an hour in 40-degree temperatures. Milne, 29, said she agreed that the city needed a new events center, but she said Sioux Falls should be paying for it through corporate sponsorships or saving up the money first.
"I don't think it's a good a decision. I don't think it's right to use credit. I think there are other ways to go about it," Milne said.
But another resident, Collette Madison, 67, said she voted in support of the measure because it would help keep entertainment spending in the community. Sioux Falls loses money as people travel to Rapid City for better plays and events, she said as she entered a VFW facility to vote.
"I guess I'd rather see the money stay here than it being spent to travel somewhere," she said. "Keep that money in Sioux Falls."