The East Grand Forks City Council approved a five-point wish list for the state Legislature, which convenes Thursday.
The five wishes, set during a council meeting that lasted eight minutes, were:
- Restore local government aid to 2009 levels.
The city's LGA allocation for 2010 is $350,000 less than it was in 2002, when adjusted for inflation. The city has been unallocated more than $800,000 in the past three fiscal years by Gov. Tim Pawlenty. This year's allocation is $420,000 less than originally set.
"We realize everyone has to take a cut, but we'd like to see it proportional to other areas," said Scott Huizenga, city administrator.
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LGA accounts for one-third of the city's budget. Huizenga said LGA cuts translate directly to property tax increases.
- Split Red River State Recreational Area Campground profits equally between the state and city.
The RRSRA is the only state park within a city that is operated by city government. The city wants a bigger share of the profits from the popular campground on the north edge of downtown.
- Have the city's $9.5 million sanitary sewer lagoon improvements placed in the state bonding bill.
The state has a stake, city leaders say, because the project will reduce environmental impacts to the area and the Red River. If the city has to pay for the entire project, it would mean $250 per year for 20 years for the average homeowner.
- Allow Tax Increment Financing money to be used outside the TIF district boundaries, which are an area just east of downtown.
The city wants to use TIF money to pay for infrastructure downtown and for improvements to the campground.
- Keep aid for outstate cities separate from a fund that benefits the Twin Cities. The fear is that the appropriations will be redirected back to the metro area.
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Reach Bakken at (701) 780-1125; (800) 477-6572, ext. 125; or send e-mail to rbakken@gfherald.com .
