RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Pennington County Commission approved a provisional 2027 budget Wednesday, setting the stage for additional public discussions before final adoption in September.
The proposed budget totals $135.6 million, a 2.8% increase over the 2026 budget. Commissioners focused much of their discussion on a potential 4% reduction in payroll expenses and funding requests from outside agencies.
Personnel costs account for more than half of the county’s budget. A 4% payroll reduction would lower personnel expenses by nearly $2.4 million. County officials noted Pennington County currently has 92 vacant positions, including 78 full-time openings.
Commissioners also reviewed funding requests from outside agencies. Sixteen organizations are seeking about $2.2 million in county funding for 2027, up from $1.8 million provided to 14 agencies in 2026. Agencies requesting support include area libraries, the Humane Society of the Black Hills, West River Mental Health and the Central States Fair.
Library funding drew particular attention. Commissioners discussed allocating $81,000 to the Rapid City Public Library and distributing the remaining library levy funds among libraries in Hill City, Wall and Keystone. The proposal would result in a significant reduction for the Rapid City library, which received $320,000 from the county in 2026.
Additional budget discussions are scheduled for Aug. 18, with a public hearing and final budget adoption set for Sept. 1.
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