Bill Would Help Municipalities
State Senator Jane C. Orie (R-40) announced the introduction of three bills aimed at assisting municipalities by promoting intergovernmental cooperation and expanding low-interest loans.
Senate Bill 282 would permit municipal authorities to enter into intergovernmental cooperation agreements with other municipalities or municipal authorities.
"Municipalities are currently able to enter into working relationships -- including joint purchasing, contracts, equipment, and administrative functions -- with other municipalities," said Sen. Orie. "My bill will provide municipal authorities the same opportunity to work with other local governments -- sharing resources and ultimately saving taxpayers and ratepayers money."
Senate Bill 283 would increase the amounts local governments can borrow through the low-interest Local Government Capital Project loan program for equipment purchases (increased from $25,000 to $50,000) and facility upgrades (increased from $50,000 to $100,000). The bill would also give greater preference to loan applications that promote municipal cooperation.
"This program is very important for our smaller-sized communities and has been successfully used to procure needed equipment and repair buildings," said Sen. Orie. "In 2006, the borrowing levels were increased for a one-year period. This bill would make these higher levels permanent."
Senate Bill 284 would provide municipalities with additional time to enact conforming ordinances after the adoption of a multi-municipal comprehensive plan.
"It is important to encourage municipal cooperation as much as possible," said Sen. Orie. "If a municipality adopts a multi-municipal plan, this bill simply gives them additional time to get all of their ordinances in compliance with the plan."
Each bill was referred to the Senate Local Government Committee for consideration.
Senate Bill 282 would permit municipal authorities to enter into intergovernmental cooperation agreements with other municipalities or municipal authorities.
"Municipalities are currently able to enter into working relationships -- including joint purchasing, contracts, equipment, and administrative functions -- with other municipalities," said Sen. Orie. "My bill will provide municipal authorities the same opportunity to work with other local governments -- sharing resources and ultimately saving taxpayers and ratepayers money."
Senate Bill 283 would increase the amounts local governments can borrow through the low-interest Local Government Capital Project loan program for equipment purchases (increased from $25,000 to $50,000) and facility upgrades (increased from $50,000 to $100,000). The bill would also give greater preference to loan applications that promote municipal cooperation.
"This program is very important for our smaller-sized communities and has been successfully used to procure needed equipment and repair buildings," said Sen. Orie. "In 2006, the borrowing levels were increased for a one-year period. This bill would make these higher levels permanent."
Senate Bill 284 would provide municipalities with additional time to enact conforming ordinances after the adoption of a multi-municipal comprehensive plan.
"It is important to encourage municipal cooperation as much as possible," said Sen. Orie. "If a municipality adopts a multi-municipal plan, this bill simply gives them additional time to get all of their ordinances in compliance with the plan."
Each bill was referred to the Senate Local Government Committee for consideration.
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