Pennington County commissioners are considering how to fund fire and emergency response services in rural and unincorporated areas after the Rapid City Fire Department said it can no longer absorb the cost of providing those services.
County officials estimate maintaining the coverage could cost about $800,000 annually. District 4 Commissioner Jerry Derr said he has been discussing options with Rapid City Fire Chief Jason Culberson and believes funding should be considered while a long-term solution is developed.
Some commissioners, however, cautioned against committing funding immediately. District 3 Commissioner Deb Hadcock said the county cannot simply allocate $800,000 without careful planning and suggested a permanent funding solution may not be ready until 2028.
Despite concerns about the cost, commissioners said they view the program as essential. The commission is scheduled to vote on the budget July 29.
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