Williams County preliminary budget released

WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) - The Williams County budget for 2026 could be going up as much as $17 million compared to last year.

The preliminary budget released Wednesday shows an anticipated revenue and expense amount of more than $149 million. About $132 million were appropriated in 2025.

The county is set to collect more than $14.8 million from property tax levies, which is a $500,000 increase from last year. This amount represents about $11.7 million in county-managed funds and more than $3 million for non-county managed funds, including the Upper Missouri District Health Unit, Williston Library and the Williston Basin International Airport.

More dollars are expected to be used for jail improvements and community engagement projects.

A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Sept. 16 at 8 a.m.