2005-03-09 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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advertising, improving, or developing the economic and agricultural resources of the city.! . Public Recreation Programs. Cities, towns, counties and school districts may spend funds to operate programs of public recreation, recreational facilities, and playgrounds. These programs may be conducted independently or with any nonprofit organization. Cities should consult with their city attorney or review the League of Minnesota Cities research memo "Public Purpose Expenditures" for a more comprehensive list of authorized city expenditures. If the city wants to make other donations, the city may wish to seek specific statutory authority for them. Additionally, cities may enter into contracts with an organization to accomplish tasks that the city is authorized to perform by statute or charter. For example, the 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. 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. This authorization also allows public entities to participate in the meetings and activities of these associations. The Attorney General's Office has determined that local units of government may not pay dues to a local chamber of cornmerce. However, because cities may appropriate up to $50,000 to an incorporated development society or organization for promotional activities, a city could contract with a local chamber of commerce for one of the purposes authorized by statute, such as promoting the city.2 The chamber's use of the public funds would be limited to the statutorily authorized activities. We urge cities to review documents submitted by the chamber of commerce to verify that the money is spent for contracted statutory purposes. I In addition, EDAs have authority to conduct activities advaocing the city aod its economic development, aod to carry out other public relations activities to promote the city and its economic development. 2 EDAs have broader authority to join an official, industrial, connnercial or trade association, or other organization concerned with one ofthe EDA's authorized purposes.