Annexation by ordinance

Many Minnesota cities say they’re being taken advantage of by residents in neighboring townships who use city services and infrastructure without helping pay for any of it. Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL-Golden Valley) sponsors a bill intended to address the issue.

HF1297 would make it easier for cities to annex land in neighboring townships. The bill would provide for a streamlined annexation process and specify how much cities have to reimburse townships for annexed areas. In addition, it would define “urban or suburban” areas for purposes of annexation proceedings.

The House Local Government Division approved the bill March 16 and referred it to the House State and Local Government Operations Reform, Technology and Elections Committee.

Supporters say the legislation is needed to give cities the ability to bring township residents into their municipal property tax base.

Warroad Mayor Bob Marvin said residents in his city subsidize a public library, municipal airport, parks and other infrastructure. Their neighbors in Lake Township are able to take advantage of these facilities while paying a fraction of what Warroad residents pay in property taxes. Marvin said township officials refuse to discuss annexation with the city, and that Warroad can’t afford the legal fees involved in annexation disputes.

Speaking in opposition to the bill, Minnesota Association of Townships Attorney Kent Sulem said it would strong-arm townships into accepting annexation under whatever terms the cities want. He added that it would rob property owners in townships of their voice in annexation proceedings.

“What the city wants, the city gets,” Sulem said, describing his take on the bill’s provisions.

Sen. Steve Dille (R-Dassel) sponsors the companion, SF1163, which awaits action by the Senate State and Local Government Operations and Oversight Committee.