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Williston commissioners approve preliminary 2026 budget that projects $16.1 million deficit
Summary
The Williston Board of City Commissioners approved a preliminary 2026 budget on Aug. 8, 2025 that totals $210,456,206 and projects a $16,121,140 deficit; the city administrator attributed the gap largely to a large capital improvement plan and an engineering request of about $25 million.
The Williston Board of City Commissioners on Aug. 8, 2025 voted unanimously to adopt a preliminary budget for fiscal year 2026 that totals $210,456,206 and shows a projected deficit of $16,121,140.
City Administrator Shawn Wenko said the numbers are preliminary and "once we submit it the budget cannot increase, it can only decrease," adding that the administration expects to pare spending during upcoming budget hearings. Wenko summarized the preliminary figures as $210,456,206 in total estimated expenditures, projected revenues of $194,335,066 and levies totaling $5,944,442.15.
Wenko attributed the projected shortfall mainly to an expansive capital improvement program planned over the next one to two years and said he had asked the engineering department to "go all in this year," noting its capital request of roughly $25 million. He told commissioners that department equipment purchases and other large items would be reviewed in hearings to distinguish wants from needs and to identify cuts.
Commissioner James Bervig moved to approve the preliminary budget; Commissioner Brad Bekkedahl seconded. The motion carried 5-0 with Commissioners Victoria Siemieniewski, James Bervig, Lucas Gjovig, Brad Bekkedahl and Howard Klug recorded as voting AYE.
The board approved the meeting agenda at the start of the session by a unanimous voice vote and adjourned at 12:07 p.m. after a final unanimous motion to adjourn. The preliminary approval begins a period of public budget hearings and department-level review; Wenko and commissioners indicated the figures will be subject to reductions before a final budget is adopted.
