4.2. SR 10-27-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~.,y of MEMORANDUM Item #4.2. TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Mayor & City Council Lori Johnson, Asst. City Administrator/ Finance Director October 27, 1997 Consider Contribution to Coalition of Utility Counties and Coalition of Utility Cities At last week's City Council meeting, Assistant County Attorney Kathleen Heaney updated the Council on the Coalition of Utility Counties and its work regarding the electric utility personal property tax issue. Sherburne County has been a very active participant in the Coalition of Utility Counties. We have be able to rely on the county for information and leadership in dealing with this issue. The Coalition of Utility Cities has also been working on this issue and also hired a lobbyist to protect the cities' interests. Both of these groups are working toward the same goals and the work of both will be beneficial to Elk River. Earlier this year the city contributed $500 to Sherburne County to help offset its lobbying costs. The lobbing costs are split proportionately among the participating counties so our contribution directly helped to reduce Sherburne County's cost. The Coalition of Utility Cities has now made a formal request for city participation through a joint powers agreement and proposed dues of $1,735. Attached is the list of cities affected by this issue, the proposed dues for each city, and also a copy of the joint powers agreement. Elk River has not been very active in the City Coalition probably because the County Coalition organized earlier and included the city as part of the organization through meetings, fax updates and numerous conference calls. The County Coalition has strong leadership and has done a good job of representing our interests. Although Sherburne County has not made a request for an additional city contribution, it may be appropriate for the city to consider helping the 13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425