Rapid City Special City Council 07-27-2026

Rapid City Special City Council meeting, July 27, 2026: The council heard 2027 budget presentations from the Fire Department and Police Department; the transcript does not show approval of either department’s budget. Fire Chief discussed rising call volumes, staffing and cross-staffing pressures, county ambulance service arrangements, and the Fire Department’s grant-funded programs. He requested increasing the city match for the wildland hazard-mitigation program from $200,000 to $250,000; the program budget was cited as about $792,000, with most funding expected from grants. The department has applied for grants supporting Station 9 equipment and staffing, and a regional community-health program. The chief also said the Somerset ambulance contract had been requested for renewal at a new, unspecified price and that he had agreed; the contract is expected to come before the council. He noted that an ambulance purchase could cost about $150,000 and that replacement of self-contained breathing apparatus may require future capital-improvement funding.

Police Department presenters discussed staffing, grants, wellness, traffic enforcement, and a planned North Precinct remodel. The remodel is expected to be put forward for bid at a subsequent Public Works agenda, not approved at this meeting. The departments described collaboration around Fire Station 9, but no award, vendor selection, or contract amount was reported. The council adopted the meeting agenda and adjourned; no procurement or spending approval vote was identified.