During the public comment period, a resident expressed concerns about the city’s escalating budget, citing a nearly 20% year-over-year increase since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The resident noted that the budget had nearly doubled from previous years, contrasting Williston’s financial growth with nearby municipalities, which have maintained more modest budgets. The resident questioned the necessity of the city’s staffing levels, pointing out that Williston employs 131 full-time equivalent positions, creating a higher staff-to-resident ratio than neighboring cities.

In response, city officials clarified that the increase in budget figures is largely due to grant funding rather than direct taxation. They explained that many projects, such as those related to the airport and utility departments, are funded through grants, which inflate the budget on paper. Officials further elaborated that a portion of the city’s budget is allocated to essential services like the police department and volunteer fire services, which account for nearly half of the staff positions.

The meeting also addressed the adoption of a new tax rate of 6.75 mills, a 5.8% increase from the rollback rate. The council passed this measure without opposition, noting that the city’s millage rate has remained unchanged for five consecutive years. Council members highlighted efforts to secure alternative revenue sources, such as state grants and utility billing, to maintain fiscal stability without increasing the tax burden on residents.