State of MN Financing Local Government in the 1980's

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Special Report of VRT & CO. Page 20 Lobbying activity is a new policy for many suburban metropolitan Cities. Heretofore, such efforts were performed only by the larger Cities. The single most important event occurring in 1983, was the lobbying efforts performed by suburban metro- politan Cities. Without such efforts, drastic and sever changes in the allocation of • local government aid may have resulted to the detriment of many suburban metropolitan Cities. The events of 1983 proved that suburban metropolitan Cities must increase such lobbying efforts and get involved (directly) with what the State is doing to /for local government. Also during 1983, a State Commission to study the overall Minnesota Tax Structure was formed. The apparent purpose of this Commission is to review the overall tax struc- ture of this State which includes local taxes and State taxes. The conclusions and recommendations of this Commission could have a substantial impact upon how Minnesota • State and local government is financed in the future. Accordingly, the actions of this Committee are probably being monitored very closely by those Cities which have a long history of lobbying. Suburban Metropolitan Cities should also monitor very closely the actions of this Committee. In conlusion, all Minnesota local government units continue to be affected by actions occurring at the State level. Future State actions are now being influenced by lobbying efforts of certain local government units. If your financial interests are to be protected, you must become involved in this process by monitoring these events and • lobbying for your interests. Respectfully submitted, , ."-,/ /G°. • VOTO, REARDON, TAUTGES & CO., LTD. Certified Public Accountants