Multiple agencies and county departments presented 2026 budget requests and budget previews to the Ward County Commission on July 15.

Briselda Hernandez, executive director of the Souris Basin Planning Council (SBPC), requested $38,641 for 2026, a slight decrease from the $39,000 allocated in 2025. Hernandez said SBPC also expects an Economic Development Administration grant of about $70,000 that year and noted that EDA grants typically require a local match.

Craig Rudland, general manager of the North Dakota State Fair, requested $300,000 for 2026, the same amount the fair received in 2025; Rudland said the fair is continuing to increase security and safety measures. Commissioner Jim Rostad presented the Kenmare Community Development Corporation #2 request for $35,000 for 2026, up from $27,000 allocated in 2025.

The commission also heard budget presentations from county department heads including Derrill Fick (Weed Control); Dana Larsen (Highway Department and Parks, Vision Zero, Rushville Township items); Nichole Degenstein (Human Resources); Jason Blowers (Information Technology); Brian Vangsness (Facilities Management); Kelly Haugan (Emergency Management); and Ryan Summers (911). Those departmental budget presentations were recorded in the meeting minutes as part of the budget process; the transcript does not show final budget approvals for those department requests on July 15.

Earlier in the meeting, the commission approved regular bills totaling $1,085,862.76 and HS Zone direct bills totaling $136,661.01. Commissioners also voted to receive and file monthly reports and correspondence including a letter from the State Medical Examiner’s Office, a notice from the First District Health Unit and an NFIP letter regarding Senate Bill 2027 (Community Responsibilities). A short recess occurred at 10:25 a.m. before budget discussions resumed.

No final countywide 2026 budget adoption occurred at the July 15 meeting; the presentations fed into ongoing budget deliberations for the coming fiscal year.