911 Telecommunicator Retirement Classification

At a glance

What: Resolution 39-26 supports classifying Sioux Falls 911 telecommunicators as Class B Public Safety members of the South Dakota Retirement System.
Where it stands: Adopted April 28, 2026, 8-0 by the City Council; the Minnehaha County Commission approved it by a separate motion and vote.
Sponsors: Council Members Soehl and Spellerberg.

The resolution cites SDCL 34-45-22 (definition of a 911 telecommunicator), calls the work demanding, stressful and emotionally exhausting, and says low unemployment and labor challenges call for new retention strategies.
It notes the contribution rate for Class B Public Safety members is 8 percent of compensation for both employer and employee.
It "strongly encourages" the Retirement System Board of Trustees to reclassify the City's telecommunicators as Class B.
Soehl moved and Thomason seconded; roll call 8-0. No public input.
The resolution was signed by Vanessa Gomez for the Mayor, who was absent.

Item 3, Resolution 39-26 adopted 8-0.