In step with similar communities, Rapid City has approved a reduced budget for the upcoming year. In total, the city will function on $3 million dollars less than the 2024 budget.
The decision was finalized this week on a 9-0 vote from the local council. In 2024, the budget was finalized at $340 million. This year’s budget lands at $337 million.
This comes after Sioux Falls also announced a smaller budget pool for the coming year.
Within the wider budget debate were other items, like the funding of the Minneluzahan Senior Center, discretionary funds for the mayor’s office, and increases to fire and police services.
First, the $60,000 fund to the senior center was ultimately approved by the wider board after debate in last week’s Legal and Finance committee hearing.
Next, the discretionary funds from the mayor’s office were approved as part of the America 250 celebration.
In committee, some councilmembers balked at the lack of oversight the mayor would receive in the process, but ultimately the matter was passed with no amendments.
The America 250 celebration is seen as a potential tourism draw for the community. In turn, councilor Kallie Meier, who works for Visit Rapid City, abstained from the vote.
The Rapid City Fire Department will see a near-nine percent increase with a $21.2 million budget. Likewise, the Police Department will operate just shy of $30 million, which tallies a 2.7 percent increase of funding.
Despite the drop in overall budget, the city still tallies a 4.4 percent increase in the general fund. City leaders say that difference will continue to pay for local day-to-day operations.