Dunn County commissioners approved a preliminary 2026 budget with specified amendments and instructed staff to post the document for public review, the board announced at its meeting. The motion to adopt the preliminary budget with the changes carried by roll call vote.

Sally (county finance) briefed the board on revenue and balances. She said July’s gross production tax payment was $2,526,878 and that the county currently holds approximately $120,000,000 in combined bank balances and certificates of deposit after July payments. Commissioners discussed uncertainty in oil-related receipts and the need to be conservative when projecting next year’s revenue.

The approved preliminary budget reflects updated department figures, including higher custodian costs and merit adjustments to commissioner wages. The board discussed moving some costs out of the general fund and noted that social-services direct and indirect costs are now billed differently, reducing the general fund burden. The board also discussed capital-project allocations including courthouse remodel, PSC building and the new shooting complex; staff said some expenditures will be pushed into 2026–27 as projects shift.

County staff reminded commissioners that state law requires preliminary budgets be set on schedule and that the approved total cannot be increased after today’s preliminary adoption but can be decreased or reallocated before the final hearing. The board set the preliminary budget with the changes discussed and directed staff to post the preliminary budget for public review and continue work on department wage items before the final adoption.

Commissioner Pelton moved and Commissioner Olson seconded approval of the preliminary budget with the changes discussed; the motion carried on a roll call vote.