Minot City Council Special Budget Meeting 9/3/26 at 1:15 p.m. (continued)

The City of Minot held a special budget meeting on September 3, 2026, focusing extensively on budget adjustments, cost recovery, and general fund reimbursements. Key procurement-related discussions included a recommendation to increase general fund reimbursements from enterprise funds by $200,000, which was approved after deliberation. The council reviewed numerous budget line items across various departments such as police, fire, airport, landfill, and public works, debating reductions and justifications for stipends, training, office supplies, equipment, and professional services. Several motions to reduce budget items were proposed, with some passing and others failing after council votes. The meeting also addressed capital equipment funding, with a $350,000 levy proposed but ultimately not approved. Additionally, the council discussed community contributions, including a significant proposed reduction of $300,000 to the library operating budget, which failed to pass. The meeting concluded with a decision to move certain agenda items to a future meeting for further discussion and a commitment to improve budget transparency and process. Throughout, the council emphasized the need for clear justification of expenditures, adherence to policies on stipends, and balancing fiscal responsibility with operational needs.