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<br />Office ofthe State Auditor <br />City Expenditures and the Public Purpose Doctrine <br />Page 9 <br /> <br />subd. 1 (a)(2) (2002). <br /> <br />6. Cities have no authority to purchase refreshments for celebrations for events such <br />as Halloween or ilie Fourth of July. Op. Att'y Gen. 59A-22 (Jan. 8, 1957). <br /> <br />7. "To further an authorized purpose, an [EDA] may. . . (2) have a reception of <br />officials who may contribute to advancing the city and its economic development, <br />and (3) carry out other public relations activities to promote the city and its <br />economic development. Activities under this subdivision have a public purpose." <br />Minn. Stat. ~ 469.101, subd. 16 (2002). <br /> <br />Comment: In many cities, city events and celebrations are sponsored by independent <br />organizations, with the city providing city services such as police and public works. <br /> <br />H. Memberships and Dues <br /> <br />1. There is no general authorization for local units of government to join "private" <br />organizations absent specific statutory or charter authority. <br /> <br />2. All cities, counties, and towns may appropriate money for membership in county, <br />regional, state, and national associations of a civic, educational, or governmental <br />nature. Minn. Stat. ~ 471.96 (2002). The associations must have as their <br />purpose the betterment and improvement of municipal governmental operations. <br />!d. This authorization also allows these public entities to participate in ilie <br />meetings and activities ofthese associations. Id. <br /> <br />3. All cities and urban towns in Minnesota may appropriate money to pay dues to <br />become members of the League of Minnesota Cities. Minn. Stat. ~ 465.58 <br />(2002). <br /> <br />4. While a city may appropriate up to $50,000 to an incorporated development <br />society or organization for promotional types of activities under Minn. Stat. ~ <br />469.191 (see Section ILBA supra), ilie Attorney General's Office has <br />determined that local units of government may not pay dues to a local chamber <br />of commerce. Letter of June 27, 1997 from Attorney General's Office to Staples <br />City Attorney regarding Staples Chamber of Commerce membership. The OSA <br />believes that a city may pay dues to such an organization only if the dues are used <br />