Jill Schramm/MDN Visit Minot Executive Director Stephanie Schoenrock speaks to the Ward County Commission during its budget discussion Tuesday.

Ward County homeowners will see the county share of their property tax bill rise just 27 cents per $100,000 of home value next year, according to tax figures from the Ward County Auditor’s Office.

The Ward County Commission approved a final $61 million budget on Tuesday that included $391,390 in cuts made since a public budget hearing drew several taxpayers who called for reductions.

The changes included reducing staff at the jail, reducing funding for the North Dakota State Fair, trimming travel and office supplies and eliminating commissioner salary increases and funding for the Assiniboine River Basin Initiative and Visit Minot.

Stephanie Schoenrock, executive director for Visit Minot, appeared Tuesday to say she understands the commission’s decision to eliminate $66,150 for her agency wasn’t due to lack of support for the work Visit Minot is doing.

“From what I can tell, there is desire for some kind of agreement long-term for Visit Minot to continue moving in the direction that we’re moving,” she said. “If it isn’t going to work for 2024, I’m certainly hoping that conversation can stay on the table, because we need to keep doing what we’re doing.”

She noted the commission didn’t give Visit Minot its full request for a share of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, which the county awarded to smaller cities, townships and some nonprofits. She said Visit Minot would welcome additional ARPA funds as the county eventually considers reallocating leftover funds at a later time.

The budget changes also eliminated two positions in the county Buildings and Grounds Department.

Brian Vangsness, facilities management supervisor, said the department is able to make the reduction by utilizing existing personnel in hybrid roles.

“Because of the other people stepping up and cross training, I think I can get by without two people. Plus, I wasn’t getting any applicants. It’s kind of thinking a little outside the box,” Vangness said.

The final budget levies 59.42 mills for a tax of $601.63 on a home assessed at the average value of $225,000. Although this is only a 61-cent increase, a number of homeowners can expect higher assessments that will bring an additional increase to the tax next year.

The average quarter of farmland would see a tax of $288, up $18.34.

The 2024 budget levies about $21.4 million, or about $1 million more than the 2023 budget.

The spending includes $8.6 million for general government, $17.3 million for public safety, $12.67 million for highways, $873,786 for First District Health Unit, $7.5 million for human services, $930,216 for parks, library and historical society and $2.1 million for other expenses, such as the Extension Service, Veterans Service Office and emergency fund.

In other business, the commission discussed creating a committee to recommend uses for funds received through an opioid lawsuit settlement. The county received $55,056 in August. The commission delayed a decision until after a discussion at its next liaison committee meeting with the City of Minot, which also has received settlement funds.

The commission agreed to move toward creating a special assessment district and seeking improvement bonds for paving improvements requested by residents of the Galusha Ranch Subdivision. A public hearing is being set for Nov. 7.

The commission agreed to collect demographic information from people participating in public meetings to comply with Title VI, related to requirements of entities receiving federal money. The federal government seeks information to verify all populations are being adequately reached. Participation in the data collection by members of the public is voluntary.