RAPID CITY, SD (KOTA) – The Rapid City City Council held a special meeting Monday night to conduct the first of two readings of the city’s proposed 2025 budget. Council members asked Mayor Jason Salamun and Finance Director Daniel Ainslie clarifying questions on some of the final details of the budget.
Salamun made a statement early on explaining the 29.3% increase in the overall budget compared to 2024. He said the majority of that increase was due to projects at Rapid City Regional Airport and the city’s wastewater department – both of which are funded to some degree by federal and state funds.
RELATED TOPICS: Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun Announces 2025 City Budget
One issue on the November ballot could impact next year’s budget. Proposed Measure 28, if passed, would eliminate the sales tax on consumer goods, reducing tax revenue in cities and towns across South Dakota. When asked about IM 28’s potential impact on the 2025 budget, Salamun responded in length and detail. He expressed his opposition to the measure and raised concerns about the cuts to city programs and services that would be possible once it passes.
“Right now, we’re going forward — this budget is going forward as if IM 28 either fails or we get relief from the legislature,” Salamun said. “But if that doesn’t happen, we’ll be ready and I’ll work with you to make sure we keep Rapid City’s priorities in mind. But I’m telling you, people are not going to be happy.”
During the reading, council members made several motions to repurpose funds included in the budget bill. The most discussed motion was Council Member Lindsey Seachris’s to redirect $10,000 in funds from Pennington County Search and Rescue to the Youth City Council – Seachris is its liaison. Salamun also spoke against this measure.
“Search and rescue is a hugely important part of our partnership (with Pennington County),” Salamun said. “I would strongly recommend that we look for another source for that $10,000.”
The motion was ultimately adopted by seven votes to three.
A second reading of the draft budget will take place at a later date to be announced.
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