Lincoln County Justice Center, Kuehn Park Pool Come in Under Budget

Plus, applications open for Mayor's Youth Council and Jacobson Plaza gets a glow-up

Mar. 11, 2026 at 2:52am

The new Lincoln County Justice Center is running about $4 million under its $45.6 million budget, while the new outdoor pool at Kuehn Park came in $3.6 million under its initial $18 million estimate. Elsewhere, the Mayor's Youth Council is accepting applications, and the City Council approved a gifting and naming agreement for improvements to Jacobson Plaza.

Why it matters

These budget-conscious projects demonstrate fiscal responsibility in local government, allowing for additional features and amenities to be added to the justice center and pool without exceeding original cost estimates. The Mayor's Youth Council provides an important civic engagement opportunity for high school students, while the Jacobson Plaza upgrades will enhance a popular downtown gathering space.

The details

The Lincoln County Justice Center is currently projected to cost $41.9 million, about $4 million less than its original $45.6 million budget. For the Kuehn Park pool, the City Council approved a $14.4 million contract with Peska Construction, well under the initial $18 million estimate. The savings will allow for additional features like another slide, a climbing wall, and more. The Mayor's Youth Council gives high schoolers a chance to learn about city government and participate in community service, while the Jacobson Plaza project will fund new connective pathways and an Everist Family Overlook.

  • The Lincoln County Justice Center is nearing completion.
  • The Kuehn Park pool contract was approved on Tuesday.
  • Applications for the Mayor's Youth Council are now available.
  • The Jacobson Plaza agreement was approved by the City Council on Tuesday night.

The players

Kyle Hubers

Project manager with Henry Carlson Construction, the company overseeing the Lincoln County Justice Center.

Mike Patton

Park Development Manager for the city, who discussed the additional features being added to the Kuehn Park pool project.

Paul TenHaken

The current mayor of Sioux Falls, whose term is ending soon but whose successor will continue the Mayor's Youth Council program.

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What they’re saying

“It's not a typo,”

— Kyle Hubers, Project manager (sfsimplified.com)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These budget-conscious projects demonstrate fiscal responsibility in local government, allowing for additional features and amenities to be added to the justice center and pool without exceeding original cost estimates. The Mayor's Youth Council provides an important civic engagement opportunity for high school students, while the Jacobson Plaza upgrades will enhance a popular downtown gathering space.