Sheridan County commissioners adopt 2026–27 budget after split votes

The Sheridan County Board of County Commissioners adopted the fiscal year 2026–27 budget on July 21, 2026, authorizing the chair to sign resolution 26-07-055 after a roll-call style voice vote. Commissioners Eisen and Jenkins announced they would vote no — Eisen saying the budget misappropriates funds and Jenkins citing constitutional concerns — while other members emphasized the statutory deadline to adopt a budget this week.

“ I will be voting no on this budget. I do not feel that we are doing due diligence to taxpayers in Sherburne County by misappropriation of funds… ” Commissioner Eisen said on the record, adding an intention to withhold support. Commissioner Jenkins likewise said he believed some spending in the package was “unconstitutional” and would vote no. Commissioner Settle and others argued the budget reflects thousands of line-item decisions and that rejecting the package would put the county in violation of state statute. The board carried the motion to adopt the budget by voice vote.

County staff noted a public hearing on the proposed budget was held July 20, 2026 with no public speakers. Pursuant to state statute 18-3-515, the board requested the budget officer prepare a reconciliation statement of receipts and expenditures for fiscal year 2025–2026 and submission by the county treasurer and clerk no later than Sept. 30, 2026. The board also approved the airport’s separate budget and affirmed the chair’s execution of the budget message earlier in the meeting.

The action authorizes the county to proceed under the adopted appropriations schedule in resolution 26-07-055; specific line-item changes and the reconciliation statement will be supplied by the budget office as required by statute.