An uncontested 2009 budget got the nod for the city of Bismarck on Tuesday. City commissioners approved $83.2 million in expenditures in the city's budget ordinance.

There was an apparent nonverbal call for 5 percent merit salary hikes for the city's 500-plus workers.

Twenty-five city employees crowded the Tom Baker Meeting Room of the City/County Building during the budget hearing to assure the pay raise would happen. No one commented on the budget line items during the brief hearing. The pay raises will cost the city $1.2 million dollars.

Mayor John Warford commented about the showing. "With regard to covering the health insurance and the pay increases, I strongly supported that because I think you are valued employees. The cost of living for everyone is going up. I am very pleased the city commission supported those parts of the budget. I want to thank you for coming and thank you for all your work."

The ordinance called for the city to levy $15.28 million in 2009.

Nearly $9.7 million will be levied under the general fund.

Another $184,299 will be budgeted for building construction.

Other funds levied include:

n $63,236 for weeds/leafy spurge.

n $400,000 for roads and streets: forestry.

n $1.11 million for Social Security.

n $552,897 for the E/H Transit System.

n $1.46 million for the library.

n $880,949 for the city pension.

n $633,989 for the police pension.

n $296,721 for the fire department pension.

The budget ordinance passed 4-1, with Commissioner Steve Schwab giving the opposing vote.