JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Public Works committee approved work to begin on the stormwater system near Taylor Stadium.

City Engineer Travis Dillman stated that not much work has began yet, but he needed approval to begin the process.

Dillman says the stormwater work would align with the planned Taylor Stadium renovations.

Dillman says they’ll be meeting with President Polly Peterson at the University to make sure everything works together. The committee unanimously approved.

Later in the meeting, Darrell Hournbuckle with Interstate Engineering stated that water meters in Jamestown were over 50 years old and were not accurately reflecting water usage.

Hournbuckle says currently, residents pay $27.20 per month for the first 400 cubic feet. For every 100 above that, it’s an added $3.20.

Right now, it’s been determined that the billing method does not encourage accountability of water use, over charges lower use accounts, and does not accurately record actual use. Meters are under reporting and the water rate does not reflect actual costs.

Hournbuckle added there were some decision the city could move forward with.

Water Department Superintendent Joe Rowel says around 50 to 100 meters are replaced annually.

The committee voted to take further action and move forward on the issue at the next meeting.