A budget is a big deal – whether it’s for the President of the United States or for the village board trying to keep the lights on. Now, it’s Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun’s turn.
During a presentation at this weeks’ Rapid City Council meeting, the mayor highlighted his priorities.
“The dollars don’t equal the importance to the community," Salamun said. "It’s just that some aspects or organizations can be funded by outside sources, but there’s certain things only the city can do. So, I did prioritize the central services.”
While public safety is a major priority in the mayor’s office, with nearly $28 million directed toward the police department, adjustments were made during the process. Namely a $60,000 cut from the allocations of local advocacy organization Journey On.
“To be quite honest with you, the requests were sent prior to me taking office," Salamun said. "I did not see that request from them. I received an email from them letting me know, but it was too late – out of my hands. I did tell them I thought they were a worthwhile organization."
The 2024 Rapid City budget is lining up to exceed $260 million with a reserve fund over $11 million.
John Roberts, reminiscing on simpler days for the city budget, said it’s troubling times for him.
“The thing you have to look at – especially after the last two years – is the cost of goods and services, you gotta look that real estate in Rapid City went up 30 percent," Roberts said. "Try and go out and build a new home now, three years ago it was half of what it is now. We’re in scary times, and I’m hoping it will level out next year or the year after that – but it isn’t really looking like that’s going to happen.”
The budget will need a second reading before approval.