Bismarck Board of City Commissioners Regular Meeting – July 28, 2026

The Bismarck Board of City Commissioners held its regular meeting on July 28, 2026, at 5:15 PM in the Tom Baker Room of the City County Building. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including the annual report from the Bismarck Mandan Convention & Visitors Bureau, a detailed presentation on five options for renovating the City County Building, three public hearings on zoning and assessment matters, an update on the city's strategic plan, and the preliminary 2027 budget review. All votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously. Commissioner Rish asked a question regarding the removal of the entire definition of "Growlers" from the agenda, and it was agreed to discuss it at the next public hearing.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public comment period or during any of the three public hearings.

Discussion Items

• Item A: Convention & Visitors Bureau 2025 Annual Report – Executive Director Sherry Grossman presented data showing 1.7 million visitor trips to Bismarck in 2025, generating $300.6 million in direct expenditures. Top spending categories were retail ($101.1M), hotels ($77.8M), and restaurants ($26.4M). The report also highlighted the new Destination Master Plan (10-year, 100+ pages), a community-wide events calendar, AI tour guide, and event microsites. Commissioners discussed data collection methods, parking challenges at the riverfront, and the impact of the TR Library. Grossman noted that the Williston Basin Conference alone had a $3.75 million total economic impact.
• Item B: City County Building Options – Architects Cole Johnson and Nate Hacker presented five options (A-E) for addressing deferred maintenance, county vacating the first floor, and accessibility issues. Option A ($11-12.8M) focused on infrastructure; Option B ($25-30M) moved chambers to the first floor; Option C ($30-35M) added a south plaza and raised chamber ceiling; Option D ($25-30M) added a new south entry, elevator, and lobby; Option E ($46-50M) was a new building on an adjacent site. Commissioner Hull disclosed a conflict of interest (stock in one listed company, client in another) but continued to participate. Discussion included ceiling heights, parking, costs, and phasing. The mayor suggested eliminating options A, C, and E. Staff was directed to focus on options B and D and return with more refined cost estimates and a funding plan at the second meeting in August.
• Item C: Public Hearing – Ordinance 6673 (Special Assessment District for Annexed Properties) – No speakers. Approved unanimously.
• Item D: Public Hearing – Ordinance 6676 (Zoning Map Amendment & Subdivision – Berg Acres Addition) – No speakers. Approved unanimously.
• Item E: Public Hearing – Ordinance 6677 (Zoning Map Amendment & Subdivision – DCN Addition) – No speakers. Approved unanimously.
• Item F: Strategic Plan Update – Assistant City Administrator Doug Wiles reported that of 177 tasks, 24% progress has been made, with 9 tasks currently disrupted. Examples included a site for a new fire station and ADA website compliance. Commissioner Rish advocated for a city newsletter in utility bills, and staff noted plans to hire a communications position. Wiles also updated the Rural Health Transport Transformation Grant status.
• Item G: Preliminary 2027 Budget – Finance Director Ryan and Comptroller Eric Lund presented the $78.7 million general fund budget. Key points: 53% of spending on public safety, 75% on human capital, a 4.75% salary increase recommendation, and a $1.2 million planned use of reserves. Utility rate increases were estimated at about $3/month total. Commissioner Rish proposed a flat-dollar salary increase instead of a percentage, suggested testing electric vehicles, and questioned funding for external organizations like the Vision Fund and Chamber. The budget committee recommended 8 of 14 requested new FTEs. The preliminary budget was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved.
• Public hearings on ordinances 6673, 6676, and 6677 all approved.
• For the City County Building, staff is to refine options B and D and return with funding scenarios at the August 25 meeting (second meeting of August).
• Preliminary 2027 budget approved as presented, with the understanding that adjustments may be made before final adoption at the September 8 budget hearing.
• Renee Mock, Public Health Director, was recognized for her appointment to the National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO) executive committee, representing Region 8.