If the tax hike is approved, a $240,000 property would see about $126 in new taxes.
Total 2022 budget figures, including any potential increases in utility costs, were not immediately available. The 2021 total budget is $238.6 million, and the 2021 general fund budget funded largely by property and sales taxes is about $58 million.
Next year s proposed budget focuses on public safety, cybersecurity, a plan to replace aging city equipment, reducing future costs for residents and sustaining existing levels of city services, Commissioner Steve Marquardt said at a commission meeting Tuesday.
Marquardt sits on the city s budget committee, which recommended approving two new police officers, two school resource officers and two information technology employees, along with approving increased software subscription costs for police and the Central Dakota Communications Center.
Bismarck city commissioners on Tuesday decided how to fund a new home for the public health department, but they couldn t agree on how to pay for the future home of the city s police force, after weeks of discussion about how to finance the new buildings.
The new public health building will be financed using existing funds in the city s budget. A January estimate put the cost between $9.3 million and $13.8 million.
Commissioners have been trying to determine a path forward to finance two new buildings for the city departments. The city sold the public health department building in 2019, and the department is now leasing its space in the same location. The police department s building is about 40 years old with limited parking.
The Bismarck City Commission tabled discussion on how to fund new public health and police department buildings until the board s next meeting after two failed votes Tuesday.
Commissioners also approved a new slogan and logo for the city, and honored this year s Humanitarian Award winners.
Commissioners have been trying to determine a path forward to finance two new buildings for city departments. The city sold the public health department building in 2019, and the department is now leasing its space in the same location. The police department s building is about 40 years old with limited parking.
The public works building also will undergo some expansion as part of the city s plan to address space needs, but the cost for that project has already been included in utility fees.