Ways & Means and Public Works & Capital Projects Committees Joint Meeting
This joint meeting convened to review the 2026 through 2031 capital improvement program. A presentation provided an overview of the capital planning process, definitions of key terms (capital improvement program, capital project, capital fund), and budget breakdowns by project type for 2026, noting Buildings and Facilities at $58 million and Other Improvements at $19 million. The total capital program budget requested for 2026 through 2031 is approximately $344 million. Discussion focused heavily on the capital plan's structure as a living document, especially concerning Sunni Olter projects pending their facilities master plan completion. Specific projects reviewed included UND Quarter Trail segments, Sunni equipment, infrastructure improvements, and roof replacements. A significant discussion addressed emergency preparedness funding for key access door upgrades, which is planned as a pilot program. Additionally, the Board of Elections required new voting scanning equipment to comply with regulations, and the Boyceville substation project was noted.