RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Rapid City Council last night heard testimony from its home rule charter committee.
The city is looking into changing their form of government.
The committee presented their recommendations and among them twere to add a city manager and to have seven members on the city council, including the mayor. Currently the city has 10 council members.
The committee recommended 5 wards and have the mayor and one other council seat selected by the city as a whole.
Although the proposed home rule charter form of government is facing opposition, one member of the committee feels optimistic about the plan and feels it will give power to the citizens of Rapid City, not take them away.
Committee member Don Frankenfeld testified that home rule charter empowers individual citizens of Rapid city to determine their own destiny, subject only to the restrictions of the state legislature. He disagrees with opponents statements that it takes power away from the citizens.
The city council took no action last night, and going forward, can make adjustments to the proposal if they would like. That includes abandoning the idea or voting to going ahead.
