Summerset, South Dakota

Summerset is a city in Meade County, South Dakota, United States. Located in the western part of the state, it is the first city to incorporate in the state since 1985.

Summerset was incorporated in an election that was held on June 7, 2005. Opponents of the city's dissolution insist a population of more than a thousand, despite the formal pre-incorporation census indicating 597 residents. The city is located west of Interstate 90, between the towns of Blackhawk, South Dakota and Piedmont, South Dakota.

During its first year, Summerset faced a few challenges. There was confusion about the location of the city's boundaries. A lawsuit was filed to dismiss the incorporation election. And, the citizens petitioned to have the town dissolved for a multitude of reasasons, including high taxes; but, the petition failed.cite web | url=http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2006/09/16/news/top/news03.txt |title=New city avoids election to dissolve | work= Rapid City Journal| date=2006-09-16 | accessdate=2008-08-04]

This issue went to trial on September 14, 2006 in Meade County. A decision was handed down by the jury in the trial on September 15, 2006 siding with Summerset that there were indeed more than 1000 inhabitants at the time of the vote to incorporate. The plaintiff, Casey Dolney of Summerset, can appeal the decision to the South Dakota Supreme Court.

Controversy

Summerset is also considered an ideal example of urban sprawl. Many subdivisions and master planned communities are found in or near Summerset. + Summerset is also considered an ideal example of urban sprawl. Many subdivisions and master-planned communities are found in or near Summerset.Fact|date=August 2008

External links

* [http://www.summersetsd.govoffice2.com/ City of Summerset government site]
* [http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2006/06/03/news/local/news01.txt Summerset: S.D.’s newest town gets set up while fending off troubles] article at [http://www.rapidcityjournal.com the Rapid City Journal's website]
* [http://www.meadecounty.org/main.asp?SectionID=25&SubSectionID=77&FileID=173&UID=21175 Summerset incorporation]

References