Minutes - Council - 01/28/1986 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Senator Dahl stated that the duplication concern has been addressed by designating the funds based on student enrollment rather than on the school's need for enrollment. Councilmember Cox stated that he totally disagrees with some of Senator Dahl's policies with respect to school funding and local school boards having the final say; some of the State's policies perpetuate deadwood and not good education. It is a State policy that allowed our School District to take a 28% increase, a 17% increase two years later and another 17% increase after that; and if not, they threatened not to educate our children. It is encumbent upon State representatives to do something about a State policy that allows them to legally steal 62% in increases whether they are worthy of those increases or not. Councilmember Cox referred to Senator Dahl's comments regarding the State deficit and noted that at the same time the Governor is touring the world and redoing the State Office Building. Councilmember Cox referred to Senator Dahl's do-gooder 'Credit Card Surcharge Bill' and noted that customers want the sale price based on a cash transaction when it costs the merchant 5%-6% to handle a credit card transaction. Senator Dahl stated that the surcharge bill will encourage discounts for cash transactions. Councilmember Cox stated that market land values have dropped to 1/3 of the assessed market value but the State will only allow a 13% reduction in assessed value at the same they are allowing sharp increases to County employee wages. Farmers are experiencing the same problems as Minnesota businesses and the voting record shows that Senator Dahl is supportive of govermmental funding programs that should be cut. Councilmember Cox stated that the State has given concessions to communities along the States borders but the land value crisis exists other places as well; rural land market values that border the metro area should be reduced to where they are commensurate with what they really are. Councilmember Cox stated that Senator Dahl should attempt to do some cutting at the State level and be a statesman and not a politician. Councilmember Cox stated that Worker's Compensation is another item that needs attention. Councilmember Cox stated that there is a situation in this community where the County has been working with a business south of the landfill to install generators to make use of methane produced by the landfill. PCA has allowed for the landfill to be a contaminant in years past and at the same time is fining that business (Waltek) for having potential contaminants on the property. Councilmember Cox stated that he hopes Senator Dahl will look into this unfair and unreasonable action by PC~. With respect to State aid to education, Councilmember COx stated that you don't buy quality and a lot of the State mandates are taking the citizens rights away. Senator Dahl stated that the State did not get into this situation overnight and will not get out of it overnight, but the State is heading in the right di rection. Councilmember Cox stated that he hopes Senator Dahl will look into the sharply rising cost of business insurance and the Rum River Bridge Crossing. Councilmember COx stated that if the State would cease subsidizing, the businesses would take care of themselves and jobs will be created. January 28, 1986 Page 7 of 18