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 at 6 p.m.

Public comment focused overwhelmingly on the library cuts. Multiple speakers described local residents' reliance on library services for internet access, resume printing, children's programming and meeting space. Ara Gallo told commissioners, "Our library is a town without library is not really a town," and several speakers described students, low-income residents and seniors who depend on library computers and free programming. Library staff and supporters warned of layoffs and service reductions if the proposed cuts go through; one speaker said the Bemidji Public Library employs nine people and that cuts could force significant staff reductions.

Commissioner Gould presented usage data and a funding request during the debate, saying the difference between the 2025 and proposed 2026 allocations would remove roughly $175,000 from Bemidji and Blackduck libraries combined. Gould listed 2024 activity figures for Bemidji and Blackduck libraries (including more than 98,000 item checkouts at Bemidji, nearly 9,000 public internet sessions at Bemidji, and thousands of program attendees) and argued the county could use contingency funds, ARPA dollars or reserves to cover the shortfall. "We have the money, so we should do this, we should do the right thing, and not slash our libraries," Gould said.

Board leaders and staff emphasized legal and procedural limits on public comment and final action. At the start of public comment the chair and Administrator Tom said citizens may not address agenda items during the "citizens addressing the board" segment, and reminded attendees that the Truth in Taxation hearing on Dec. 2 is the forum for budget appeals. Tom reiterated the technical point that the preliminary levy, once set, cannot be increased; however, individual budget line items may be adjusted downward or shifted among departments before final adoption.

Other budget items mentioned by speakers included Paul Bunyan Transit and the Beltrami County Historical Society; several residents urged the board to protect funding for transit and historical programming as well as libraries. Multiple commenters urged commissioners to consider the human impacts of cuts, citing students who lack home internet, residents who use library computers and printers, individuals who rely on transit for work and medical appointments, and nonprofit groups that use library meeting rooms.

The board debated and rejected multiple procedural attempts to amend or table the motion. A proposal from Commissioner Gould to take approximately $205,000 from contingency or reserves to restore library and other community funding failed for lack of a second. Commissioner Sumner offered an amendment to raise roughly $110,000 (including $7,500 for the historical society) that also failed for lack of a second. After calling no further amendments, the board approved the preliminary levy on a 4'to—2 vote.

Votes at a glance: - Approve agenda as presented: motion by Commissioner Winger; second by Commissioner Carlson; outcome approved (voice vote; no opposition reported). - Approve consent agenda: motion by Commissioner Carlson; second by Commissioner Winger; outcome approved 5'0'0. - Approve FY2026 preliminary budget levy and fee schedule: motion by Commissioner Carlson; second by Commissioner Winger; roll-call vote Yes: Carlson, Winger, Sumner, Chair Godzwig; No: Gould. Outcome: approved 4'to—2. - Motion to go into closed session pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.03 (labor negotiations): motion by Commissioner Carlson; second by Commissioner Winger; outcome approved 4'to—2.

What comes next: the board scheduled the Truth in Taxation public hearing for Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.; Administrator Tom and staff said line-item changes may still be made before final adoption at the December meeting but the levy cap cannot increase beyond the preliminary figure approved at this session.

Sources: meeting transcript and speaker remarks recorded during the Beltrami County Board meeting. Direct quotes in this article are attributed to speakers who spoke on the record during the public comment and board discussion.