Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Spearfish public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues in taxes budget with high priority
2026 budget supplement (Ordinance 1432)
The 2027 budget gets its second reading Monday, and a companion ordinance shuffles money to cover rec center and police camera programs plus the library upgrade — with zero net increase by trimming unused streets authority.
2027 City Budget
The council finalized next year's budget: $52 million in revenue, $54 million in spending, and a planned $1.8 million draw on cash for one-time projects. Staff stressed the budget is balanced and the city holds $45.8 million above its $9.6 million reserve requirement, though a resident questioned the negative projected year-end figure.
2027 Budget and Use of Cash Reserves
The city projects using about $1.8 million of cash on hand in 2027 — down from $5.5 million in 2026 — and a resident sharply questioned whether that's overspending savings. Finance staff say reserves (30% of operating budget) stay untouched and recurring revenue exceeds recurring expenses by over $7 million.
2027 Public Works Budget
Public Works wants about $31 million for 2027, down $1.7 million from 2026, but numerous capital projects were postponed to balance the numbers. Big-ticket items include the airport apron expansion, 10th Street design, pavement preservation based on the recent pavement study, and replacing aging equipment — some trucks date to the 1990s and wastewater plant pumps to the 1980s. Council gets two more chances to suggest changes before the first reading of the appropriations ordinance September 8.
Chip seal and Main Street street work
Downtown business owners say last year's chip seal wrecked floors, tubs, and furnishings, and argue Main Street's 10,000+ daily vehicles far exceed what chip seal is rated for. The council directed staff to plan a mill and overlay downtown while chip sealing the rest of the corridor.
2027 Police Department budget request
The police department wants $15,000 added for a drone and a new customer service position, while trimming about $15,000 in other lines. The 911 budget remains uncertain until dispatch consolidation with the county is finalized. The department also took on funding for a third school resource officer the school district can no longer pay for.
2027 Budget — Health Insurance, Parental Leave, Property Taxes
Early budget numbers show a possible 15% health insurance premium increase, a proposed paid parental leave policy (160-240 hours for new parents), and a property tax request at the legal maximum — up 6.3%, partly because two TIF districts closed and their property value returns to the tax rolls.
Affordable housing TIF districts
Spearfish's eight TIF districts range from big wins ($84 million valuation at Exit 17) to concerns that the Sky Ridge housing TIF won't fully repay $17 million. Residents want the city to report actual tax dollars received, not just headline valuations.
2025 Budget Status and Transparency
The city spent about $57 million in 2025, with capital projects eating up roughly 40% of that. Sales tax funds most of the general fund, and property tax is only 8% of revenue with one of the state's lowest mill levies.
City Administrator Separation and Settlement
Bobby Falcon will resign as city administrator under a $250,000 settlement after his attorney alleged a campaign of innuendo and pressure aimed at forcing him out. The extra $48,000 over his contract severance buys the city a full release from any legal claims.