RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City’s Fire and Police departments presented their 2027 budget proposals to the Common Council this week, with public safety accounting for the largest share of Mayor Jason Salamun’s proposed $312.3 million city budget.
The Rapid City Fire Department is seeking just over $29 million, a 1.3% decrease from 2026 despite the planned addition of Fire Station No. 9, which will include a police substation and add 21 public safety personnel. Fire Chief Jason Culberson said the department remains efficient while continuing to meet growing service demands.
The Rapid City Police Department is requesting $30.6 million, virtually unchanged from last year. Police Chief Don Hedrick said the department is not seeking new positions in 2027 as it works to fill existing grant-funded vacancies.
In 2025, the fire department responded to more than 22,500 calls, while police handled approximately 157,000 calls for service. Officials noted both agencies have experienced increasing workloads in recent years.
The city’s overall 2027 budget proposal is about $25 million lower than the 2026 budget, though it includes a $65 million investment in road projects alongside continued funding for public safety services.
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