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Councilmember Beyer introduced the following resolution and moved for its adoption: <br /> <br />RESOLUTION #95-04-075 <br /> <br />RESOLUTION RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, the average cost of workers' compensation in Minnesota is 40 percent <br />higher than in Wisconsin; and <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, nearly $100 million is spent by counties ($15.3 million), cities ($35 <br />million), school districts ($23.9 million) and the State of Minnesota ($24.7 million) for direct <br />workers' compensation. If these counties, cities, school districts were located in Wisconsin, their <br />premiums for workers' compensation could be up to 40 percent less; and <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, local governments pay these high workers' compensation costs when <br />employing private Minnesota contractors to perform services for their governments and these costs <br />are not included in the $100 million direct workers' compensation costs; and <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, if Minnesota had workers' compensation reform which would be close to <br />any of the bordering states, there would be less money spent on workers' compensation premiums <br />and more money for property tax relief or services; and <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, local city and county development agencies find it increasingly difficult to <br />bring good jobs to their community and expand their tax base because of high business costs, <br />including workers' compensation; and <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, local governments need an expanding tax base if they are going to hold <br />down property tax increases; and <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, between 1991 and 1992, 30 Minnesota manufacturing companies <br />employing 1,500 workers moved from Minnesota and all gave the reason for their move, <br />Minnesota's high workers' compensation costs. <br /> <br />NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY <br />OF RAMSEY, ANOKA COUNTY, STATE OF MINNESOTA, as follows: <br /> <br />1) <br /> <br />That the City of Ramsey is calling upon our legislators and the Governor to pass major <br />workers' compensation reform which will make Minnesota's workers' compensation rates <br />comparable to those of surrounding states. <br /> <br />The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Councilmember <br />Zimmerman and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: <br /> <br />Couneilmember Beyer <br />Councilmember Zimmerman <br />Councilmember Beahen <br />Couneilmember Peterson <br /> <br />and the following voted against the same: <br /> <br />Mayor Hardin <br /> <br /> <br />