Williston’s 2026 budget brings changes for first responders

WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) - First responders in Williston saw several cuts as the city looked to erase a $16 million deficit set in its preliminary budget.

Williston’s final budget for 2026 lists both revenues and expenditures at $195 million. It was not easy, as commissioners and department heads had lengthy meetings over the summer to figure out what needed to be cut.

The most significant changes impact the first responders. Police Chief Steven Gutknecht says several positions and roles will be streamlined and consolidated, while patrol vehicles will stay on the roads beyond their typical replacement mileage.

“Even with these directed budget cuts, we will work with what we have and do our best to keep Williston safe,” said Gutknecht.

Meanwhile, Fire Chief Matt Clark says his department will remove seven open positions and will limit their firetrucks going out only when it’s deemed necessary. Clark says he’s concerned about how this will impact his employees as call volumes continue to grow.

“We are definitely going to see reduced levels of service and reduced capability of apparatus coming out. It’s something that my chief staff are working through to try and make sure that when people call 911, they are still able to receive care,” said Clark.

Klug and other city leaders have expressed that essential first responders will still be able to keep people safe and that these cuts are more targeted at “wants” rather than “needs.”

“People are still safe, and they have public works to take care of all their needs. Their water and sewage are good. You can live in Williston pretty good right now,” said Klug.

With the budget comes a 3% property tax increase and a 5% increase for water and sewer rates. Klug says one of the biggest priorities is to replace old infrastructure in the heart of the city, west of 6th Avenue West.

“The infrastructure is old; the pipes are old. We spent a lot of money patching when we should be going in and fixing,” said Klug.

More details on the budget can be found here.

The city is also pledging $10 million towards the new ice and turf facility at Williston Square. Klug says the investment could generate more than $3 million in annual revenue.