Banner County conducts extended budget workshop; commissioners table several salary decisions

The Banner County Board of Commissioners held an extended budget workshop in which department heads reviewed proposed FY2026–27 budget lines, salary adjustments and one-time equipment requests. Officials discussed cost-of-living increases (noted at about 3% in several official salary lines), contract obligations for GIS and appraisal services, and the need to plan for clerical coverage amid impending vacancies in the clerk's office.

County Attorney Bob explained changes to his budget and said the county recovered $15,000 in one case; he noted some travel and training costs would be higher, citing mandatory attorney training and subscriptions. Bob stated, "I have revised the STOP program — you don't get the thing dismissed unless you've completed the program and you paid Banner County the court costs," describing efforts to capture previously missed court costs.

Sheriff Zane (recorded as Zayn/Zane) presented vehicle options and proposed a five-year lease for a fully outfitted patrol vehicle that would have a roughly $15,000 annual lease cost after accounting for the current vehicle payoff. Commissioners agreed some line items are contractual and not easily changed in the short term and that more detailed review would continue before the statutory budget deadlines. They also agreed to add clerical funding (a suggested $25,000) to the clerk budget to cover temporary staffing while vacancies are filled.