Central ND News

The Bismarck City Commission has approved the preliminary budget for 2026, emphasizing investments in public safety, infrastructure, and municipal operations. The finalization of the budget is set for the first regular meeting in September.

“The approval of the 2026 preliminary budget reflects our commitment to balancing Bismarck’s immediate needs with long-term priorities,” stated Mayor Michael Schmitz. He noted uncertainties regarding new property tax caps and their impact on the city and its residents.

The projected expenses for the city's 2026 budget are approximately $484.8 million. General fund revenues are expected to be slightly over $71.2 million, while expenditures are estimated at just over $72.7 million. Property taxes are anticipated to generate $36.7 million but will not fully cover the public safety portion of the general fund budget, which stands at $40.8 million.

The budgeting process began on May 31 with departments submitting requests to the Finance Department, followed by a review by the budget committee. “The City of Bismarck’s budget process is very collaborative,” said Finance Director Dmitriy Chernyak.

Significant proposed expenses include projects such as city building renovation, emerald ash borer prevention, a new enterprise resource planning system, and a police station land purchase. Additional projects impacting the 2026 budget include airport runway rehabilitation, an airport terminal project, AXON software for police body cameras, event center improvements and operational loss coverage, equipment replacement programs, fire station No. 6 construction and fire truck purchases, Hay Creek Lift Station continuation work, street maintenance projects including traffic signal replacements and water treatment plant expansion.

A total of 12.5 full-time equivalent positions were requested for 2026; however, funding was recommended for only 6.5 FTEs across various roles such as communications officer (0.5), emergency preparedness specialist (partial), engagement officer among others.

“Every preliminary budget reflects tough choices and is the end result of thoughtful debate and compromise,” commented City Commissioner Anne Cleary who led the budget committee discussions.

A public hearing on this matter will take place on September 9 during a regular City Commission meeting held at Tom Baker Meeting Room located within City/County Building at North Fifth Street starting from 5:15 p.m., traditionally scheduled every second & fourth Tuesday monthly basis where several documents related towards gaining further insights into proposed financial allocations can be accessed online alongside historical records pertaining past annual fiscal plans undertaken locally here too if needed by interested parties seeking deeper understanding overall concerning these developments currently underway presently today ongoingly now happening still yet further continuing onwards ahead beyond thereafter later ultimately finally eventually concluding ultimately resulting eventually finishing lastly ultimately completing conclusively altogether eventually coming together finally ending up completely achieving culmination reaching fruition realizing completion attaining 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