Crouching Ordinances, Hidden Fees

We're one day into the New Year, and I'm seeing stealth city tax hikes and housing inspection ordinances (aka "Fees" and housing sweeps) creeping into our fair suburbs. A good friend in Robbinsdale sent me Exhibit A:

The city council will consider a proposed point of sale housing inspection ordinance at its meeting on January 6, beginning at 7:00pm at Robbinsdale city hall. MAAR has been talking with city council members and city staff about the proposed ordinance since late November. If the proposal is approved at the meeting, it can take effect 30 days later.
 
MAAR opposes point of sale ordinances for several reasons, including the fact that only a small percentage of homes in the city are "for sale" at any given time, most problem properties are not "for sale," many buyers hire third party inspectors to complete a thorough inspection of the property prior to purchase, and sellers are already required by law to disclose any known adverse property conditions. 
 
If you agree with the MAAR position on this issue, plan to attend the city council meeting and speak against the proposed ordinance. Talk to other city residents. Ask them to attend as well. Without these efforts, the ordinance will be approved by the city council.
 
A copy of the MAAR position on point of sale inspections is linked here: http://www.mplsrealtor.com/public_time_of_sale.aspx
 
A link to the Robbinsdale city website: http://www.robbinsdalemn.com/

Bottom line: Concerned Robbinsdale residents need to be at their City Hall this Tuesday, Jan.6 at 7:00pm.

Exhibit B: From the MN Sun-Post's legal notice section I found "Electric Franchise Fees proposed in Golden Valley." A notice of public hearing to consider an ordinance requiring an "electric franchise fee" from Exel Energy for providing electric service.

The rate schedule, if adopted, would provide the City with approcimately $485,000 in annual revenue. The rate schedule is as follows:

Residential $2.50
Small C&I - Non-demand: S7.00
Small C&I - Demand: $13.50
Large C&I - (< 1 Mw): $80.00

If approved, the "fee" would begin charging Golden Valley residents around July of 2009.

Bottom Line: Golden Valley residents and business owners need to show up in force Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 7:00 pm at their City Hall.

Consider all the taxes passed and coming your way: the gas tax, school referendum, property tax hikes, the statewide arts/land tax — and others  if the DFL-controlled state congress gets their way. It's time to fight back, and you must be present to win.