City OKs $61 Million Budget
By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor

After two years of major infrastructure growth that saw the city of Watford City build a $101 million event center, as well as spend nearly $30 million on new roads and waste water treatment facilities, the city’s budget is returning to more normal levels.
During its regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 3, the city council approved a budget of $61 million for 2017, a decrease from last year’s budget of $150 million.
According to Kelcee Wright, city finance director, the city anticipates receiving $46 million in revenues during the coming year, including $1.2 million in local property taxes. Last year, Watford City property owners contributed $890,000 to the city’s record budget.
While local property taxes will generate approximately $310,000 more than last year, Rita Olson, city tax assessor, states that the majority of Watford City residents will not see an increase in their city taxes from last year.
For the full story, subscribe to the McKenzie County Farmer