01-22-1990 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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January 13, 1939table of contents November 27, 1989INTRODUCTIONIDUCTIONPurposeRITYcomparison ”G ISSUES erspective ending Objectives Page PURPOSEThe purpose of the Funding Plan Paper is to present a mechanism for funding the operations of the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) and other managing agencies active on Lake Minnetonka while Implementing the Long-Term Management Program for Lake Minnetonka. The existing levels and sources of funding are archaic and insufficient, even for optimum operations to meet present-day demands.In the late 1970s, regional and state agencies shifted their priorities to place more emphasis on public access to the lake. That change in priorities, without concomitant modification of Intergovernmental relations, institutional arrangements and funding contributed to a decline in communication, cooperation and understanding between managing entities. Locally-oriented organizations also contributed to the decline in relationships by falling to perceive the significance of the regional and state policy changes. The Metropolitan Council Task Force on Lake Minnetonka final report stressed the importance of changes in funding for the LMCD. Specifically, it called for making the LMCD funding completely independent of the local municipality budget process. Under the 1967 legislation, funding is limited to 1 mill based on the assessed valuation of property in the 14 lakeshore communities, subject to the further provision that the contribution from the City of Minnetonka is limited to 20 percent of the total contribution. Presently, this generates approximately $300,000.00 of potential annual revenues. The Draft Long-Term Management Program calls for significantly greater involvement, expansion of existing programs and implementation of new programs by various managing entities active on the lake. That expansion of activity requires additional sources of income above that presently allowed under statute. This Funding Plan, therefore, provides a guide for generating additional revenues that is consistent with the Minnesota Lake Improvement Act. The remainder of this Preliminary Plan is divided into two sections. The first examines the authority granted to the LMCD and to other lake Improvement districts under Minnesota statutes. The final section presents means of raising additional funds for Lake Minnetonka management and regulatory programs.