Pat Tepoorten
Wyoming Township Reporter

Following a closed session Tuesday, Jan. 25 Wyoming Township attorney Mike Couri answered questions of residents in attendance for the regular meeting, but would not comment on a possible appeal of last weekís annexation ruling.

Couri began by summarizing the annexation decision by Administrative Law Judge Kathleen Sheehy that resulted in roughly 5000 acres of land, including 503 homes and 535 properties, changing hands from the township to Chisago City.

Couri explained that the change-over would take place at 12:01 a.m. on Feb. 24, and that, after that time, all questions residents in the area might have regarding governance, maintenance, taxes, etc., should be directed to the city.

Couri responded to questions of a possible appeal by invoking attorney-client privilege. ìI wonít comment on that,î said Couri, who added that the township has 30 days to explore and appeal, but that doing so would not stay the decision. Pressed further by residents, Couri estimated the cost of an appeal at $7000 to $10,000.

Regarding taxation, Sheehy offered suggestions but no orders for how the city can deal with tax issues and their new residents. The city ìmay choose to increase tax rates proportionally over a period of six years,î or the city ìmay also establish a rural service district within the annexation area.î

Sheehy noted that city is considering ìmaking unplatted properties over 20 acres a part of a rural service district.î Couri stressed the city is under no obligation to do any of these things.

Chisago City view

In a Monday interview, Chisago City Administrator Jon Pechman noted the city is considering these options, but will make no decision without consulting its financial experts, Ehlers and Associates, for further direction.

While Judge Sheehy did not order any specific tax implementation, she did order Chisago City to hold a special, at-large election within 60 days of the annexation.

Two seats on the city council will be up for election, and those elected will take seats 14 days after the balloting. The term for the two seats will expire in December of 2006.

Couri explained that this gives new city residents a chance to vote for a city council right away, but a chance to vote for mayor wonít come until 2007. It is possible, Couri said, that the annexed area could enjoy as many as three representatives in city government at that time.

The future

Parker hinted at Tuesday's meeting that his days in local politics might not be coming to an end as a result of the annexation decision. Asked if he would consider running in the special election ordered by Sheehy, Parker responded, ìthere's a strong inkling I might.î

While Chisago City prepares for a massive increase in size and tax base, the Wyoming Township is dealing with the opposite.

The reorganization of township government reaches a little deeper than the two board members, Parker and Scott Walberg, who will lose their seats to the address change.

The township will also lose two members of the park board and two members of the planning commission. These positions are expected be filled by appointment in the coming months.

Also, the changing boundary will affect the fashioning of the 2006 township budget, planning for which was begun Tuesday night.

ìWe start the budget tonight based on whatís left,î said town board Chair Roger Elmore, who added ìthere's going to be some work involved.î

The board has scheduled two work sessions to complete the budget, which they expect to finalize by mid-February.

No new town hall

As suspected, the annexation decision has eliminated the possibility the township will pursue bonds for constructing a new town hall at this time.

ìItís moot now, I think,î said Walberg, who had favored exploring construction costs and a possible ballot only as long as the township received a favorable decision from Sheehy.

ìIt isnít going to happen,î added Elmore, a sentiment that was met with general approval from the board.

With so many issues yet un-addressed regarding the future of the annexation area, a transition committee is being formed and had its first meeting Monday morning.

According to Pechman, two members of the city council, city department heads, and Parker were present. The goal of the committee will be to make the transition as seamless as possible.

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