- Posted By: Steve Urness
- October 4, 2026 @ 12:58 pm
- News
N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Jamestown Mayor Katie Hemmer and Council Member David Steele, Chair of the City Finance Committee, are working together to propose a 2027 city budget designed to provide meaningful financial relief to residents while strengthening the city’s ability to manage future costs
The proposed budget includes three key priorities:
1. Property tax relief: The City will reduce the city property tax levy by more than 13 percent, reducing the burden on local property owners.
2. Utility fee reductions: To help lower the cost of essential city services for residents and businesses, the city will eliminate the $5-per-month water meter fee and the street and signal (streetlight) utility fee.
3. Reducing reliance on future special assessments: The proposal provides an opportunity to invest utility funds in vital infrastructure projects, which could reduce the City’s reliance on special assessments in the future. This approach could provide relief on the portion of property tax bills that is not related to city levies while allowing infrastructure improvements to be made where they are needed without placing the full financial burden on individual properties.
“Residents deserve a city government that is focused on responsible spending while looking for ways to reduce the financial burden on families, homeowners and businesses,” said Mayor Hemmer. “This proposal reflects a collaborative effort to
provide relief today while making thoughtful decisions that can benefit tax and utility fee payers in the years ahead.”
Council Member Steele emphasized that the proposal is intended to balance immediate relief with responsible long-term financial stability. “Developing the 2027 budget has been about finding practical ways to control costs without compromising the services our community depends on,” said Steele. “By working together, we have an opportunity to provide property tax and utility fee relief while also creating options that could help reduce the need for special assessments in the future.”
The 2027 budget will be presented for review, consideration and final approval by the City Council at the regular monthly meeting scheduled for Monday, October 5, 2026, at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
Mayor Hemmer and Council Member Steele said they remain committed to working collaboratively with all City Council members, city staff, residents and community stakeholders to finalize a 2027 budget that provides meaningful financial relief while maintaining essential city services and addressing the community’s long-term infrastructure needs.
