Agenda Packets - 1993/03/22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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RESOLUTION NO. 4354 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW COUNTY OF RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION PROTESTING SENATE FILE NO. 322/HOUSE FILE NO. 458 -- A BILL TO CONSOLIDATE MUNICIPAL PROSECUTIONS UNDER THE RAMSEY COUNTY PROSECUTOR WHEREAS, Senator Kelly and Representative Farrell have introduced companion bills which would consolidate the criminal divisions of the off-ices of municipal attorneys in Ramsey County with the criminal division of the office of Ramsey County Attorney, and authorizing the Ramsey County Attorney to prosecute all criminal actions; and WHEREAS, the City of Mounds View strongly objects to the proposed legislation because of the following reasons: 1. The cities of Ramsey County have not had input into this matter, nor have they been consulted and given the opportunity to discuss the possible ramifications of the proposed legislative action. 2 . The proposed legislation, if passed, would significantly and negatively impact the cost of prosecution services for the City. Costs are currently controlled through a negotiated contract for services which retains local control. 3 . Any action to consolidate prosecutions for municipal violations under the Ramsey County Attorney would greatly diminish the City's ability to retain local control over matters directly and measurably impacting its operations. At this time, the City has direct control over the actions of its prosecutor. There is a process in place to ensure accountability, good communication, responsiveness and consistent performance standards. If services are not satisfactory, or prove to be more costly than anticipated, the City currently has service options that would be eliminated under the proposed legislation. 4. If prosecutions for all municipal offenses were the responsibility of the Ramsey County Attorney, the chances increase that the movement to eliminate the suburban courts in New Brighton and Maplewood would be successful. If that occurs, the costs for providing police services in Mounds View and other Ramsey County suburban communities will increase dramatically. Cities will be forced to pay increased travel and time costs for officers to appear in court in St. Paul. The increased costs will directly impact the tax- payers.