DOGE announces first real estate closure in South Dakota

SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) — The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has announced the first real estate cut in South Dakota.

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According to DOGE’s website, the Codington County Farm Services Agency in Watertown will be the first real estate closure in South Dakota.

According to the DOGE “Wall of Receipts,” the annual lease cost for the agency was $238,328 and the total savings from the cut will be $278,049. “Termination details are still being finalized. The lessor and customer have been notified, and the strategy is under development,” the DOGE website says about the Watertown closure.

The leased square feet is listed at 7,869 square feet.

KELOLAND News reached out to the Codington County Farm Services Agency for any comment about the closure, they replied saying they have no comment at this time. Someone did answer the phone for U.S. Farm Services Agency in Watertown, but could not speak about when the office would close.

The Farm Service Agency building in Watertown.

KELOLAND News also reached out to the Codington County Conservation District, which shares its location with the Farm Service agency, as of now they are waiting for more information and they also had no comment at this time.

On Thursday, Gov. Larry Rhoden said he’s encouraging South Dakota counties to be looking for efficiencies in their own governments.

“In the light of DOGE and the Chevron Case, that opens opportunities for us to find efficiencies in state government, working with the federal government, and I believe the counties should do the same thing” Rhoden said. “Whenever we have had a downturn in our economy, we have had to make tough decisions.”

Earlier this month, Rhoden said state officials aren’t notified when federal employees have been fired. He also pointed out South Dakota state government has plenty of job openings.