The Minot Park Board approved a 2026 budget on first reading Tuesday, Sept. 16, that uses only a small portion of the state’s 3% allowance for raising tax levies.

The $16.2 million budget includes $1.4 million for capital projects such as the new scoreboard at Corbett Field, a sound system update at Minot Municipal Auditorium and a new pour-in-place playground at the SCHEELS Complex on South Hill, according to information from the park district.

The $8.6 million general fund levy will go down by $308,197. The $1.26 million building levy for capital projects is up $454,818. Combined, the park board proposes to spend $146,621, or 0.7%, of the 3% increase allowed in state law.

In addition, the district plans to levy $2.1 million for debt payment, but the debt levy is not subject to the 3% cap. The three levies bring the total 2026 property tax request to $11.98 million, up from $11.47 million for 2025. Finance Director Calyn Beckman said the increase is driven by the debt levy and the decision of the park district to allocate $350,000 from reserves to lower the 2025 levy.

No public comment was offered at Tuesday’s budget hearing.

The park board will meet Monday, Sept. 29, at 4 p.m. to consider the budget on final reading.