Residents tell council fixed incomes and empty downtown buildings heighten urgency for budget scrutiny

During the public hearing on the 2027 budget, multiple residents described how incremental tax increases compound for households on fixed incomes and urged councilors to pursue alternatives to raising property taxes. Patrick LeSier, a recent arrival to Minot, said that while some increases appear small, they quickly add up for people on fixed incomes. "When you have a fixed income, whether it's $3 a month or $6 a month, it goes on top of $6 an increase for fuel, for insurance, for food," he said.

Jennifer Johnson and Randall Wilcox described large increases in property taxes since the post-flood housing surge; Johnson said her taxes have doubled since 2012 and said she has taken on extra work to cover rising costs. John Carey urged fiscal restraint and questioned the use of the Magic Fund for out-of-city economic development. Councilors acknowledged the concerns and noted staff and council work to identify cost reductions; one councilor asked staff to report on the status and possible reuse of vacant downtown buildings, though staff noted most of the properties are privately owned and outside direct city control.