County Engineering Committee Adjusts $45M 2025 Budget Amid Project Review

The Dunn County Commission meeting on July 16, 2025, focused on budget adjustments and project planning for the upcoming fiscal year. Key discussions included significant reductions in engineering fees and equipment budgets, as well as considerations for project prioritization.

The commission announced a decrease in the engineering fees budget from $1 million to $100,000. This change is attributed to the implementation of a new accounting system that allows for better tracking of project-specific costs. The engineering fees will now primarily cover miscellaneous expenses that do not fit into specific project codes.

Additionally, the equipment budget was reduced from $2.5 million to $2.225 million. The commission anticipates needing funds for replacing essential equipment, including blades, loaders, and snow blowers, while also equipping a sand truck.

The commission reviewed various projects, deciding to remove Fourth Street Northwest from the list due to a lack of progress. Some larger projects may be scaled down to smaller initiatives, and a few planned for 2026 have been postponed to 2027 to help balance the budget.

Concerns were raised about staffing shortages, particularly regarding the use of county equipment for small projects. The commission discussed the need to hire additional personnel to ensure that existing resources are utilized effectively.

The budget for 2025 initially allocated $45.6 million for projects, but the commission expects to spend only about $26 million, allowing for a rollover of funds into the 2026 budget. A new line item for rental equipment was also introduced, allowing for better tracking of expenses related to the rental of tractors.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the commission's efforts to streamline budgeting processes and prioritize projects while addressing staffing challenges. The next steps will involve finalizing the budget and determining how to best allocate resources for the upcoming year.