MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The Mitchell City Council voted 7-1 to reject a proposed $50,000 annual contract with a retail-recruitment firm, leaving the money unspent in the city’s 2026 budget.

Council members said during the discussion that they prefer to delay spending while the city explores potential partnership options with local organizations, rather than committing immediately to an outside company.

The vote means the $50,000 that had been set aside for retail recruitment will remain unused unless the council later decides to redirect the funding or approve a different approach.