Growing emergency services/law enforcement, worker pay increases and upcoming road projects are among the top priorities for Bismarck's 2009 budget.

The city wants to spend $83.23 million for next year's operations.

Of that, $15,280,109 will be levied through 82.91 mills, according to Sheila Hillman, director of finance for the city.

A mill for the city of Bismarck is valued at $184,229.

The budget ordinance was introduced Tuesday. Its final hearing is set for 5:15 p.m. Sept. 23 at the City/County Building, 221 N Fifth St. At that time, the public can comment about on the budget's line items.

Those interested in reviewing the budget can call administration to request a copy before the Sept. 23.

Hillman said a 5 percent salary adjustment has been factored in for the city's 517 employees. These increases are based on merit. That amounts to $1.2 million more in total salary increases.

Hillman said major changes for the spending involve adding Phase II staffing for the city's new north fire station. Seven new firefighters and one new captain have been hired for the new station, and five new police officers have been included in the budget.

"Most of our increase has been in the public safety area," Hillman said. These amount to $460,000 in the budget. Two more dispatchers also are listed as possible hires for $100,000.

Also, a new fire truck will equip the new hall at a cost of $845,000. The device is a combination of a ladder and pumper truck.

Major equipment purchases also have been requested for the city in 2009, including a garbage compactor for $600,000 and a garbage rear loader for $530,000.

For Public Works, rubber tire roller, a street sweeper, chip spreader and oil distributor for a cost of $530,000.

Also identified is $70,000 to design a new a disposal cell site. Hillman said its actual construction in 2010 is expected to cost $900,000.

Hillman said there are some major water and sewer projects planned in the new year. This includes $5.6 million for Phase I of a three-part water intake system for the water plant. It involves building the caisson and access road leading up to the horizontal collector well and circular well screen project.

In a separate item, some $2.7 million more has been proprosed to replace the digester cover system.

The digester is part of the waste water treatment process which treats the residual solids that are left after waste water is treated

Design costs for future expansion of east Divide Avenue and Century Avenue roads are highlighted in the 2009 budget.

The Century Avenue project will span between Hamilton Street to Centennial Road and Centennial Road to Trenton Drive and Jericho Road. The city has budgeted $500,000 in 2009 for its design.

Its projected cost is $10 million for construction. Work is expected to begin in 2011.

Funds also will be allotted toward the the East Divide Avenue road project which stretches from Volk Drive to Bismarck Expressway. Hillman said $300,000 has been earmarked for that road's planning in 2009, and it is expected to cost another another $300,000 in 2011 in design costs.

Actual construction for the $6 million Divide Avenue project will occur in 2012. The city is expected to pay a 20 percent match on both the federal aid road projects.

Another $2 million has been dedicated to replace Bismarck's hard surface streets. Hillman said the money will be used to help decrease the property owners' share of in a special assessment district. She said these road projects are still being prioritized.

Hillman said some of the city's reserves are earmarked to make specific equipment purchases and projects for various departments.

More revenue is expected for the city. Hillman said Bimarck will not need to deficit spend to cover the 2009 operations.

Overall, she said property valuations within the city increased 10.16 percent. That figure includes both residential and commercial averages.

Because the valuation increased, the amount of the mill the city levied was lowered by 4.93 mills.

Hillman said with a 6.82 percent increase in residential property valuations, she calculates a homeowner whose property was valued at $150,000 in 2007, can expect to pay just under $5 more on the city portion of the property tax.

(Reach reporter LeAnn Eckroth at 250-8264 or leann.eckroth@;bismarcktribune.com.)