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City attorney says proposed 3% levy charter amendment cannot lawfully limit future levies; council declines putting question to voters
Summary
The International Falls City Council acknowledged a procedural defect in a 2024 charter amendment and voted to operate under the prior charter. The council also reviewed a citizen petition to cap the city levy at 3% and, after legal advice, voted not to place that amendment on the ballot.
The International Falls City Council on Monday acknowledged that a 2024 attempt to amend the city charter was not “perfected” under state procedures and voted unanimously to operate under the earlier charter until the matter is resolved.
City Attorney Chelsea Nelson told the council that a required step — a public hearing between readings — was not completed when the city attempted the charter change. Nelson said the omission means the 2024 amendment was not perfected and the city should function under the prior charter unless the council chooses to cure the error by repeating the ordinance process.
Nelson also advised the council that a recent citizen petition asking to limit the city tax levy to 3% with narrow exceptions is not a legal ballot…
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