JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Jamestown Mayor Dwaine Heinrich has hit the ground running in his first few months since being elected in June.

Mayor Heinrich and the city council have been tasked with preparing the budget for 2019. In that time since the election, there has been numerous discussions about raising the tax mill levy substantially. Heinrich says the primary concern of the city is maintaining a positive bond rating for the city.

Heinrich says the city is aiming at a budget of between $7.5 to $8 million and of that, roughly $3 million would come from city property tax. He says expenses in several departments exceed what would be brought in through that tax.

Heinrich says that means money will need to come from other sources. The city has lost previous income from the state oil & gas fund as well as money taken out of utilities and reserves. He says about $1.5 million that was available last year is not available this year.

Heinrich says they continue to look at ways to make up for the expected loss of those monies including raising some of the utility fees. As the city continues to work towards the October deadline, there is no clear cut path to addressing the budget issues for the city.

Heinrich says he appreciates those who have contacted him and the city with their concerns and thoughts on the move.

Heinrich says other items they continue to discuss and look at is the road diet and planned 3rd Street SE and 12th Avenue overpass. With the road diet, Heinrich pointed out that he would like to see funds go towards replacing the traffic lights, but was concerned with where the money for the rest of the project would come from.

As far as the 3rd Street SE overpass, Heinrich says he will look at scrapping that project.

Other items the city continues to address is the planned move from alleyway garbage and recycling pickup to curbside only in some parts of the city as well as the quiet zone repairs. You can listen to a full interview with Mayor Heinrich below: