Rapid City, SD – The future of fire protection in Box Elder is at the center of a heated local discussion. City officials have outlined a preliminary plan to create a municipal fire department that would operate within the Box Elder Rural Fire Protection District, potentially replacing the long‑standing volunteer fire service.
City’s rationale
According to a recent Facebook post, the city began talks after the Fire Protection District approached officials seeking ways to improve public safety as Box Elder’s population and emergency call volume continue to rise. The city describes the proposal as a means to leverage municipal resources to support fire protection without increasing costs to taxpayers. Officials emphasize that the district and the city share the same goal of maintaining effective fire protection as the community grows.
Volunteer department’s response
The Box Elder Volunteer Fire Department, founded in 1965, has served the community for more than six decades. In 1985 the Box Elder Rural Fire Protection District was created to collect property taxes and fund a contract with the volunteer department. The volunteer group, whose Facebook page and post have since been removed, says the district now intends to end that arrangement and have the city take over fire services.
The volunteers raise several concerns. They question the wisdom of transitioning from an organization with 61 years of experience to a newly established municipal department. They also note that the city does not plan to contract with the existing volunteer department, but instead intends to hire a fire chief and rely on current volunteers to transfer to the new department.
Financial implications
The volunteer department estimates that the fire chief position would cost the Fire Protection District roughly $12,500 per month. It claims the city is not planning to contribute additional revenue, leaving property taxpayers to shoulder the expense. Based on that estimate, the volunteers warn the average property owner’s fire tax could rise by 107 percent.
City’s rebuttal
City officials dispute the volunteer department’s characterization, stating the post reflects the opinion of a single member rather than the department as a whole. They assert the post does not accurately represent the progress being made among the city, the Fire Protection District, and the volunteer department. The city stresses that discussions are ongoing and no formal agreement has been finalized.
When a draft agreement is ready, the city says it will be made public and considered at upcoming public meetings. Officials encourage residents to attend, ask questions, and share concerns.
Next steps for residents
The Box Elder Volunteer Fire Department is urging residents to attend the Fire Protection District’s monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16, held at the fire department, 120 Box Elder Road. The meeting will provide an opportunity for community members to hear updates and voice opinions.
Both the city and the volunteer department agree that the proposal’s final details—including how services will be organized and funded—are still to be determined. As Box Elder continues to grow, the outcome of these discussions will shape how the community safeguards its homes and families.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
