The Dickinson City Commission decided it was better to spend money that they have on hand instead of possibly having to spend more in the future.
The commission approved a 2009 mill and overlay project totaling $500,000 despite it coming in at approximately $96,000 over budget, at its regular meeting held Monday in the city commission room at Dickinson's city hall.
City Engineer Shawn Soehren recommended approval of the project based on a healthy balance in the city's Street Project Fund.
"I agree with your recommendation. I think that if you pull that little bit out it would cost us more in the future," Commission President Dennis Johnson said. "If we have the money in the fund I'd rather take care of it now."
Johnson added that with oil prices likely at their lowest point, the price for construction work in future years would most likely go up.
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The project will cover areas around Hagen Junior High and Berg Elementary: Third Street West, Fourth Street West, Fifth Street West, Fourth Avenue West and Fifth Avenue West.
Soehren said $173,000 could have been cut with the removal of Third Street West from the project, but felt it was the smarter move to move ahead with the entire project.
Commissioner Gene Jackson supported Johnson and Soehren's assessments and said "we may see another rise in construction prices with all the work that is coming out of the stimulus."
In other business:
* Approval of a property tax abatement for Shaun Lubken's residence. The abatement reduces the 2008 value of his home from $86,000 to the 2007 value of $76,600.
* Johnson proclaimed May 11-17 as Arbor Week in the city of Dickinson and May 16 as Arbor Day.
* Approval of a utility easement from lots three and four of Shinagle's First subdivision for Kuntz Builders to construct a new house.
* Approval of the Consolidated Cable Franchise Ordinance/Agreement, which renews the current contract between Consolidated and the city. Consolidated pays a franchise fee equal to 3 percent of its annual gross revenues.
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* The commission approved a grant application to the North Dakota Department of Transportation for a transit grant.
* Approval of an agreement with American Trust Center to be trustee of the pension plans maintained by the city.
* The Dickinson Fire Department and Dickinson Police Department's monthly reports.
* Police Chief Chuck Rummel informed the commission the police department was awarded a $70,000 Homeland Security grant for new SWAT equipment.
* Approval of a final plat on the Frenzel subdivision for residential housing located approximately a half mile north of the west interchange.
* An update from City Administrator Shawn Kessel on legislation being debated in Bismarck, which could affect the city.
