The proposed budget for 2023 was discussed at the Aug. 15 City Council meeting

Minot, NORTH DAKOTA – According to the city officials, Council President Paul Pitner delivered his budget recommendation, which included removing two of the 23 proposed new employees: a drug task force officer and a building and grounds worker.

Pitner also proposed removing two of the approximately 10 currently vacant police officer positions until the remaining open positions can be filled.

Pitner said the budget savings from those positions could be set aside to improve police headquarters in the future.

Police Chief John Klug spoke against the removal of the positions, as did Police Department employees Master Officer Aaron Moss and Master Officer Kenton Kossan, who are also local representatives for the police union.

Pitner said he would support budget amendments in the future to add positions back into the budget if the department can find officers to hire.

The Council will hold a budget question and answer session as part of the Sept. 6 meeting. The official first reading will be held at the Sept. 19 Council meeting, with the second reading and potential passage of the budget at the Oct. 3 meeting.

The Council will hold special meetings to discuss the budget on Aug. 24, Aug. 29, and Sept. 8. All three meetings will be held at 5 p.m. in Council chambers at City Hall.