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Williston commissioners weigh cuts, $12.5M Williston Square plan as 2026 budget shows $2.2M shortfall
Summary
City commissioners reviewed a preliminary 2026 budget showing a $2.2 million deficit, discussed 25 FTE reductions, proposed a $12.5 million Williston Square infrastructure package and debated public safety reductions including possible closures and operational changes.
City of Williston officials reviewed a preliminary 2026 budget on Sept. 15 that shows a $2.2 million shortfall and includes an ‘‘aggressive’’ $12.5 million infrastructure plan for Williston Square, staff said at a special meeting at Williston City Hall.
Finance Director Hercules Cummings told the Board of City Commissioners the budget opened with an estimated $16 million deficit that has been reduced to about $2.2 million through staffing and other cuts. Staff said the draft reduces full-time equivalent positions by 25 overall while adding one position for the Convention & Visitors Bureau. A public hearing on the budget is set for the board’s regular meeting on Sept. 23, 2025.
The preliminary plan includes a 3% salary increase for employees and a 3% step increase for public safety personnel. Administration recommended budgeting salaries based on available positions rather than historical averages, and the draft also proposes a 3% adjustment to the pay for the mayor and commissioners to align with other cities. Mayor Howard Klug requested that Planning and Zoning commissioners’ pay be increased to $100 per meeting.
Public safety departments have been trimming budgets across staffing, training and operations. The fire department reduced every category of its 2026 budget except personnel, citing higher salary and health insurance costs. "The fire chief suggested an option to save money would be to freeze the step plan until a comfortable level is reached, rather than eliminating additional positions," the minutes state. Officials also said shutting down the engine at Station 2 is a possible further cut if deeper reductions are required.
The department will change its response policy effective Oct. 1: it will not send multiple apparatus to non-injury accidents unless police request a response. City staff said the policy change should change call volumes and provide more accurate data on responses, which could permit additional adjustments in the 2027 budget.
Commissioner Brad Bekkedahl asked for analysis of call generation and dispatch handling to identify opportunities to reduce required apparatus and staffing. Administration also proposed a Human Resources-led fleet management and procurement program beginning in October 2025 to improve vehicle acquisition and cost efficiency; staff said that initiative will inform the 2027 budget and identify any personnel needs.
The draft budget incorporates landfill planning, including cell reconstruction in the 10-year capital improvement plan. Staff noted they are awaiting a Burns & McDonnell study that will present three scenarios for potential rate increases; the study’s results will be used to capture associated revenues in the budget.
After discussion, Commissioner Lucas Gjovig moved to adjourn; Commissioner James Bervig seconded. The board adjourned by unanimous voice vote. The board’s next regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 23 will include the public hearing on the 2026 budget.
