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Billings County reviews preliminary 2026 budget and explains levy-cap math
Summary
Commissioners received a staff briefing on the preliminary 2026 budget, learning the county can combine a 3% statutory cap with a 2.72% carryforward to allow up to a 5.72% dollar increase (about $38,516) and that the county’s general fund is heavily reliant on oil and gas revenue.
The Billings County Commission met in a special session to review the preliminary 2026 budget and to understand how state levy-cap rules affect local tax levies. Chair opened the meeting and staff outlined timelines for a preliminary approval in August and a final public hearing during the regular October meeting.
Staff member reviewed the cap calculations and taxable values, saying, "The estimated value of 1 mill for 2026 is $24,002.89." The staff member explained the state cap: "So the North Dakota legislature put in a 3% cap on county valuation or county tax levies," and noted the county retains a 2.72% unused carryforward from last year, which can be combined with this year's 3% to create a 5.72% dollar increase allowance.
Why it matters: combining the two percentages yields a maximum cap allowance of roughly $38,516 this year and a top possible levy total around $711,870 if the county used the full carryforward. Staff stressed this is preliminary work: commissioners must approve a preliminary budget in August so notices can be mailed by Aug. 31 and a final hearing will take place in October.
The session was informational; staff promised revised packets and more detail at the next meeting so commissioners can finalize the numbers before voters receive notices.
