RAPID CITY, S.D. — After more than two hours of discussion and public comment, the Rapid City Council ended up tabling second reading of a mask mandate.
First reading of the revised mandate passed last week. The revised ordinance gave businesses the power to ‘opt out’ of the ordinance if they desired and places the burden of enforcement on businesses rather than law enforcement.
The Council voted five to five to table the mandate requiring the wearing of face coverings in indoor public spaces. Mayor Steve Allender was the tie-breaking vote.
Before voting, Mayor Allender said he didn’t think there was anything to celebrate after a vote to effectively kill an ordinance that would have allowed businesses to post signs requiring customers to wear masks.
Allender says he feels bad for the community and stated the public servants on the council have tried to keep Rapid City’s residents safe.
