City of Williston balances budget ahead of public hearing

WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) - The city leaders in Williston had to make some tough choices in next year’s budget, which includes several cuts. They were able to erase a $16 million deficit in the preliminary budget.

Finance Director Hercules Cummings says the 2026 budget is tentatively set with expenses and revenues around $195 million.

City officials made the cuts in every department, with public safety taking the biggest hits. Several planned construction projects were also deferred.

Cummings says city staff will not be laid off as part of the cuts.

“It was well worth it because we wanted to demonstrate to the public this isn’t just a wish list, this is a very, very thorough process, and we’re looking at every single line item,” said Cummings.

Cummings says they try to conservatively project their revenue in the hopes the actual amount ends up higher.

A public hearing on the budget will be held on Tuesday during the city commission meeting at six in the evening.