Grand Forks County hears broad public appeals as commissioners outline budget trimming process

Grand Forks County commissioners opened a prolonged discussion of 2026 budget goals and priorities after a series of public comments urging the board to reconsider proposed reductions to community programs.

Speakers from the Grand Forks Public Library, NDSU Extension (Grand Forks County), Safe Kids Grand Forks, Red River Children’s Advocacy Center, Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals, Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation, the Veterans Office and local 4‑H leaders described services they provide and warned that proposed cuts would reduce or eliminate vital programs.

Wendy Brent, director of the Grand Forks Public Library, told the commission the library ‘‘is a lifeline’’ that offers free technology access, job help, early-learning support and other services; she said a proposed 13% county…