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Mercer County Commission approves 2026 budget with 3% capped levy after reserve-transfer adjustment
Summary
The commission approved the 2026 budget on Oct. 6, 2025, adopting a 3% capped levy at $4,051,408.19 after rescinding an initial $217,000 reserve transfer and instead approving a $208,000 transfer to the general fund cash reserve.
The Mercer County Commission on Oct. 6, 2025, approved the county's 2026 budget at a total 3% capped levy of $4,051,408.19 following a late change to the planned general fund cash reserve transfer. The special meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m. in the Mercer County Government Center boardroom in Stanton, North Dakota, and adjourned at 9:49 a.m.
Auditor Carmen Reed presented updated budget documents that prompted a series of motions on reserve funding. Commissioner Casey Voigt moved to transfer $217,000 into the general fund cash reserve; Vice Chairman Rick Bauman seconded and the board voted unanimously to carry the motion. The board asked Auditor Carmen Reed to update the budget to reflect the transfer.
After a recess and presentation of revised numbers, Commissioner Voigt rescinded his earlier motion; Vice Chairman Bauman seconded and the board unanimously approved the rescission. Voigt then moved to transfer $208,000 into the general fund cash reserve; Bauman seconded and the board voted unanimously to carry that motion.
With the reserve-transfer change in place, Vice Chairman Rick Bauman moved to approve the Mercer County 2026 budget at a 3% capped levy totaling $4,051,408.19. Commissioner Casey Voigt seconded; all commissioners present voted aye and the budget was adopted.
The minutes record that Chairman Gene Wolf entered the meeting at 8:21 a.m.; Commissioners Jamee Folk and Casey Voigt and Vice Chairman Rick Bauman were recorded as participating, with Mark Pierce absent. Auditor Carmen Reed was directed to update the budget documents to reflect the board's actions.
The special meeting recessed at 9:29 a.m., reconvened at 9:44 a.m., and adjourned at 9:49 a.m. The board scheduled its next regular meeting for Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Meetings are viewable at www.mercercountynd.com.
