Budget Hearings Day 3 - 2026

The Cass County, ND budget hearing on July 25, 2026, focused extensively on procurement and budget allocations for various county departments and initiatives. Key discussions included the Innovate 28 economic development program, with presentations highlighting its impact on business recruitment, workforce development, and public policy advocacy. The county commissioners deliberated on funding levels for Innovate 28, including a proposed $1.9 million county investment matched by private sector contributions, and discussed the need for improved return on investment measurement, with a suggestion to issue an RFP for independent evaluation. Budget considerations also covered salary adjustments for county employees, including market and cost-of-living increases, and funding for the fairgrounds, state’s attorney’s office, highway department, and sheriff’s department. The meeting included motions to standardize budget request formats and to approve various departmental budgets, with attention to balancing revenues and expenses to avoid deficits. The commissioners emphasized the importance of workforce attraction and retention, infrastructure needs, and public safety funding in the context of the county’s fiscal planning.