By Scout Nelson
South Dakota legislators approve an increase in the livestock ownership inspection fee as state officials work to strengthen funding for livestock inspection programs. The fee rises from $1 to $1.45 per head, representing a 45% increase.
The new fee applies to cattle, horses and mules of all ages that move into or out of certain South Dakota counties. The increase follows legislation that earlier allowed the South Dakota Brand Board to raise the fee by up to $0.65 per head.
“There’s been a transfer of $900,000 from the brand fund to the inspection fund to just cover costs, and we’re still behind," Kory Bierle, Vice President of the South Dakota Brand Board said. "[That’s] mainly because of personnel costs, inspectors, and mileage—mileage fees and everything have gone up also that we have to reimburse the inspectors for.”
The fee increase is expected to bring in more than $600,000 during its first year and about $675,000 annually after that.
The committee approved the increase by a 5-1 vote. Sen. Taffy Howard is the only member who voted against it.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-baranozdemir
Categories: South Dakota, Livestock