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Beltrami County adopts $117.5 million 2026 budget and 9.63% levy after public debate over library funding
Summary
After more than two hours of public comment and repeated amendment attempts, the Beltrami County Board voted 4–1 to adopt a $117,543,186 2026 budget and a $36,514,391 levy (9.63% growth). Citizens and library staff urged restoration of KRLS branch support; commissioners cited state cost shifts and a constrained fiscal picture.
The Beltrami County Board of Commissioners approved the county's 2026 spending plan and property tax levy following a Truth in Taxation public hearing that drew repeated appeals to reverse proposed cuts to Kitchigami Regional Library System (KRLS) branch services. The board set the 2026 levy at $36,514,391, a 9.63% increase from the prior year, and adopted an expenditure budget of $117,543,186. The final vote on the budget measures carried 4—1 after a series of amendment attempts failed to reach the necessary support.
Residents, library staff and community advocates testified that reduced county support would…
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