Beltrami County commissioners approve preliminary FY2026 levy after public outcry over proposed library cuts

Beltrami County commissioners voted 4–1 to approve the county's preliminary fiscal year 2026 budget levy and fee schedule after more than a half hour of public comment sharply critical of proposed cuts to library funding and other community services.

The vote followed a series of public remarks and a debate among commissioners about whether to shift money from contingency, reserves or federal ARPA funds to restore the library allocations. Commissioner Gould proposed an amendment to restore roughly $205,000 to county libraries and small community services; that amendment failed for lack of a second. Commissioner Sumner later offered a different amendment to add about $110,000 (including a $7,500 allocation for the Beltrami County Historical Society); that motion also failed for lack of a second. The final approval passed on a roll call: Commissioner Carlson yes; Commissioner Gould no; Commissioner Winger yes; Commissioner Sumner yes; Chair Godzwig yes.

Why it matters: the preliminary levy sets the maximum tax levy the board may adopt later this year. County Administrator Tom told the meeting that "once the preliminary levy is set, it cannot be increased. However, the budget can be modified as late as the December final budget approval," and that the statutorily required Truth in Taxation hearing to consider the final budget is scheduled for Dec. 2…