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As an alternative to a donation, a public entity may enter into a contract with an organization to accomplish tasks that the entity is authorized to perform by statute or charter. For example, a city could not give money to the Boy Scouts for a recycling program,but the city could enter a contract with the Boy Scouts to do part of its recycling program. The amount of money paid to the Boy Scouts must be related to the value of the services they provide to the city. Memberships and Dues There is no general authorization for cities to join "private" organizations; but there may be specific statutory or charter authority to join specific organizations. For example, cities and urban towns in Minnesota may pay dues to become members of the League of Minnesota Cities.21 Similarly, cities, counties, and towns may appropriate money for membership in county, regional, state, and national associations of a civic, educational, or governmental nature. These associations must have as their purpose the betterment and improvement of municipal governmental operations.22 mThis authorization also allows public entities to participate in the meetings and activities of these associations. A school board may authorize and pay for the membership of the school district or of any district representative designated by the board in those local economic development associations or other community or civic organizations that the board deems appropriate.23 The Attorney General's Office has determined that local units of government may not pay dues to a local chamber of commerce24. However, because cities and urban towns may appropriate up to $50,000 to an incorporated development society or organization for promotional activities, a city or urban town could contribute to a local chamber of commerce for one of the purposes authorized by statute, such as promoting the city or urban town.25 Counties have similar authority but do not have the $50,000 monetary cap26 The use of public funds would be limited to statutorily authorized activities. As a result, the OSA recommends that counties, cities, and urban towns create and maintain documentation that shows the funds have been given for specific statutory purposes. 21 Minn.Stat. §465.58. 22 Minn.Stat. §471.96. 23 Minn.Stat. § 123B.02,subd.24. 24 See Attorney General Letter dated June 27, 1997(attached). 25 Minn.Stat. §469.191. An EDA has broader authority to join an official,industrial,commercial or trade association,or other organization concerned with one of the EDA's authorized purposes. 26 Minn.Stat. §375.83. 2'Documentation includes,but is not limited,to minutes,resolutions and contracts. Reviewed: December 2014 3 2007-1017 Revised: April 2014 38