Bismarck Board of City Commissioners Regular Meeting - September 8, 2026

The Board of City Commissioners met on September 8, 2026, in the Tom Baker Room of the City-County Building. The meeting included a public hearing on the 2027 budget, discussion of an Emerald Ash Borer infestation, approval of a new health insurance provider, and adoption of an amended e-bike ordinance. Multiple budget amendments were debated and voted on.

Consent Calendar

• Approved routine items unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Al Walker expressed concerns about property assessment increases (6% on his home, 10% on a rental property) and difficulty selling. Mayor directed him to file an abatement request with the city assessor's office.
• Grace Renner (Great Plains Food Bank) requested a $50,000 budget contribution, citing a 42% increase in individuals served in Bismarck (43,331 unique individuals, 28% children). The request was not included in the proposed budget and a motion to fund it failed.

Discussion Items

• Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Presentation: City forester Christy Ames Davis reported EAB was confirmed on August 24, 2026, near Grand Theaters. Burleigh County is now quarantined. The city has 5,200 ash street trees (down from 7,400 in 2010). Plan: treat 2,600 trees over three years (injections starting spring 2027) and remove 2,600 over four years. Contracted costs: ~$193,000/year for treatments, ~$440,000/year for removals. Commission approved accessing up to $1 million from general fund reserves to begin work, and later added $500,000 to the 2027 budget for EAB response.
• Health Insurance Provider: The city will switch from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota to Health Partners effective January 1, 2027. Fixed costs will decrease: stop loss premiums down 15.4%, with retention credits of $234,000 to offset BSwift platform costs. Network match: 96.3% of claims; pharmacy formulary match: 95.5%. Health Partners offered firm multi-year rate guarantees. The contract was approved unanimously.
• E-bike Ordinance (6680): Sergeant Bleth explained classifications (Class 1-3 e-bikes, mopeds, e-dirt bikes) and enforcement challenges. 12-year-old Anali Kassowski requested the operator age for motorized scooters remain 12. Commissioners amended the ordinance to align with Mandan: Class 1 and 2 e-bikes and motorized scooters minimum age 12, Class 3 age 16; added tiered fines ($50/$100/$200, $300 for DUI); impoundment authority; and signage provisions. Approved unanimously.
• 2027 Budget Ordinance (6681): Finance Director Ryan Score noted a tax levy correction due to a county error, reducing the allowable 3% increase slightly. Proposed employee pay increase was 4.75% (2.75% COLA + 2% merit). Multiple amendments were considered:
  • Motion to eliminate a vacant administrative FTE at police department (failed 3-2).
  • Motion to reduce airport advertising budget from $300,000 to $200,000 (passed 4-1).
  • Motion to donate $50,000 to Great Plains Food Bank from police FTE savings (failed 2-3).
  • Motion to pause planning fee increases (failed 1-4).
  • Motion to keep environmental health fees flat (failed 1-4).
  • Motion for a flat dollar pay increase for all employees (failed 1-4).
  • Motion to freeze commissioner pay (failed 1-4).
  • Mayor's motion: 2.75% COLA for all employees plus a 1.5% merit pool for department directors to administer year-round, with commissioner pay at only 2.75% COLA (passed 3-2).
  • Added $500,000 from reserves for EAB response in 2027 budget (passed unanimously).
• Other Business: Commissioner Dahl updated on homelessness efforts; Commissioner Rish reminded of free landfill week (Sept 14-19); Commissioner Hall suggested tariff clauses in procurement contracts; City Administrator Jason said he would brief school and park boards on building renovation plans.

Key Outcomes

• Emerald Ash Borer: Approved $1M reserve access for immediate work; $500K added to 2027 budget.
• Health Insurance: Contract with Health Partners approved effective Jan 1, 2027.
• E-bike Ordinance: Amended and approved with new age limits, fines, and impoundment provisions.
• 2027 Budget: Adopted as amended. Employee compensation: 2.75% COLA plus 1.5% merit pool; commissioners receive only COLA. Airport advertising reduced to $200,000. $500,000 from reserves allocated for EAB. All other proposed fee increases remained.