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The Scoop

at City Hall

2) The State of MN has historically adopted practices that are in conflict with local municipalities. These include such things as unfunded mandates, levy limits, and unallotment, all of which have a negative financial impact on cities. What are you going as our state legislators to ensure that our concerns are being voiced and acted upon?

Rep. Kohls: We had a significant lost opportunity this last legislative session. For various reasons we fell short again, certainly not from a lack of desire. I would say that if we are going to mandate, the State should provide the funding. I’m philosophically against unfunded mandates. If we’re not going to fully pay for it, you [the cities] should not have to do it.”

Victoria Councilman Tom O’Connor: “Everybody is philosophically against unfunded mandates. We can howl at the moon but sometimes you can’t resist the temptation.”

Rep. Kohls: “I’m not naively optimistic, but I am optimistic. The economy has made people look at their government differently today. People are paying attention like they haven’t been before.

“I think the adage about the squeaky wheel getting the grease is true. The reality of the State’s budget is pretty visible. About 85% of the State’s budget is spent on education, aid to local governments, and health and human services. Cities and counties need to sing in unison on this. Is it going to happen overnight? No.

“I don’t think there should be levy limit on cities like Victoria that receive no government aid. I have supported levy limits for cities and counties that receive government aid. I’ve never actually voted for a property tax increase. There is no reason to explain why similar cities spend different amounts of money per resident, from half as much to twice as much.

“As for unallotments, the governor’s decision to unallot was related to the Democrats making a tactical blunder. Had they decided to hold off on a couple expenditures, unallotments wouldn’t have been necessary. I’m not sure at this point whether I’ll support them next time or not.”

Sen. Ortman [arriving late due to prior commitment]: “I have great respect for Paul Kohls but sometimes we disagree. I don’t support levy limits. I’m frustrated at them. I think the State should recognize the relationship between cities and residents. There are real frustrations. The system in the State of Minnesota is completely in the way of getting things done.

“I stood with the governor on unallotments. It would have been worse otherwise. It was critical that we pass a budget and do our constitutional duty. It would have been harmful to our State and our economy. I’d support it again in the same circumstances.”

#3) The Metropolitan Council requires that the City achieve a net overall density of 3 units per acre in its Comprehensive Plan. Higher density is largely dependent on a number of factors including jobs, transportation, and infrastructure such as sewer. With the Met Council’s density requirements, what is the State’s plan to provide transportation improvements and job creation to accommodate the density requirements in Victoria?

Met Councilman Peterson: “The 3 units per acre is related to sewer infrastructure, so it can pay for its growth, to pay for the sewer going into a development. The 3 units density became the standard in the 1990’s. Most communities feel it’s an appropriate number. Remember, it’s an average. If we want sewered communities, it has to be paid for in some way, knowing other requirements are going to be ancillary to that.”

Senator Ortman: “I don’t think the State has the wherewithall to provide transportational infrastructure. It’s very frustrating. We plan more than we have financing for. Seems we always have the cart before the horse. Transportation infrastructure should be among our priorities, but there aren’t enough people at the capitol who think that way.”

Victoria Councilmember Kim Roden: “What’s a city council to do with the disconnect? It’s like building a house but not being able to furnish it. Carver County has the fewest miles of county roads than any other county in the 13-county metro area, yet it is an area of growth. What’s your advice?”

Rep. Kohls: “I was going to suggest pull your hair out. It goes back to the mandate issue. I’ve got significant concerns about the Metropolitan Council and its size and scope. I’m in favor of reigning in its size and scope. I’d be happy to participate in a formal or informal discussion with the Metropolitan Council.”

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