JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Stutsman County Auditor and COO Nicole Meland reports that the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with two road related disasters in the county will have significant impact on the 2021 budget.

Discussion on the 2021 Preliminary Budget took place Tuesday during the latest County Commission meeting. Meland says their preliminary budget must be approved on or before August 10th with the final budget approval by October 10th.

Right now, the county is estimating a taxable value of $127,230,362. This exceeds the 2019 taxable value by about 3.6%.

Meland reports that the pandemic and road disasters will have a significant impact on the current year’s budget as well as 2021.

Meland added that discussions have also indicated that Prairie Dog Funding that was anticipated in July 2021 will not occur. It’s also been indicated that health insurance costs could increase substantially as well.

Step increases and no cost of living raises will be approved in 2021 at the request of Meland, which department heads have agreed upon

Commission Chairman Mark Klose said the county should consider some alternative measures as they work on the preliminary budget.

The commission approved the recommendations for Meland to begin work on the 2021 preliminary budget.