John Behling
Wyoming Township Reporter

At the Wyoming Township Board meeting Tuesday, Oct. 11, Chair Roger Elmore explained that a public presentation regarding the merger between Wyoming and Wyoming Township will likely happen in late-November pending an analysis of future sewer and water development in the Greenway Business District.

Though it seems that the merger is proceeding amicably between the two governing bodies, the board made it clear that a third party will not be involved: Chisago City.

On September 29th, Chisago City sent a resolution to the city of Wyoming and Wyoming Township formally requesting to be involved in the merger discussion, ì...the City of Chisago feels it is in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of Chisago City to have input and knowledge in the discussions of a possible merger between the City of Wyoming and Wyoming Township...î

Mayor Chris Dubose told the Times that Chisago City wants a voice in the discussion partially due to issues relating to sewer and water expansion.

ìWyoming would surround parts of Chisago City, Dubose said.

ìHow are we going to plan sewer and water? Are they planning on connecting to our services?î

ìAlso, the people in that area,î Dubose added. ìDo they want to be part of Wyoming or do they want to be part of Chisago City if they had that option?î

The Wyoming Township Board sees things differently.

ìItís no mystery that they [Chisago City] want to complete the Highway 8 Corridor. Itís also no mystery that that area would be vital to a future city,î said Supervisor Mark Utecht.

ìWe need to fight to retain that.î

Elmore said that the decision not to include Chisago in any merger discussion was made in part because the citizens donít want them to be involved.

Itís no mystery that the two governments are on bad terms after Chisago City annexed some 5000 acres of Wyoming Township land and two thirds of its tax base at the beginning of this year.

Mayor DuBose said that Chisago City will continue to pursue involvement in the merger discussion. .

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