Sioux Falls official resigning post before end of term
Councilor Sarah Cole's decision to step down early creates vacancy, appointment likely coming before June election
Sioux Falls City Councilor Sarah Cole is stepping down from her at-large seat months before her term ends.
“I am announcing my resignation from the Sioux Falls City Council, effective Dec. 3, 2025,” Cole said in a statement Friday. “This decision comes after accepting a professional opportunity out of state, which will require me to relocate. While I am excited about this next chapter, it is not easy to step away from a role that has meant so much to me.
“It has been an honor to serve the residents of Sioux Falls. I am grateful for the trust, support, and collaboration I have experienced during my time on council,” she added.
Cole’s resignation will leave the council with one of its three at-large seats temporarily vacant until a new member is appointed to serve out the remainder of her term.
City Council Chair Rich Merkouris told The Dakota Scout Friday that under city charter, the council must appoint a replacement within 30 days of Cole’s resignation — between Dec. 3 and Jan. 3 — or trigger a special election 120 days after that window closes.
With municipal elections already scheduled for June, Merkouris said the council intends to make an appointment in December to avoid an additional election.
Cole had already announced she would not seek re-election when her term expires in 2026 and instead is serving as campaign treasurer for her preferred replacement — YMCA CEO James Oppenheimer.
Merkouris said Oppenheimer isn’t likely to earn the appointment.
“I’m personally opposed to appointing anyone who is going to be on the ballot,” he said, noting it would be up to the full council to reach consensus on who will fill the vacancy.
The Sioux Falls City Council most recently appointed a member to fill a vacancy caused by an early resignation in 2006 and again in 2011.
“I extend my sincere thanks to my fellow council members, Mayor Paul, city staff, and — most importantly — the residents of Sioux Falls,” Cole said.
