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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2009
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Senate Passes Orie Local Government Measures

Bills Promote Intergovernmental Cooperation

Today, the State Senate unanimously passed two measures introduced by Senator Jane C. Orie (R-40) that promote intergovernmental cooperation.

Senate Bill 282, introduced with Sen. John Pippy (R-37), would permit municipal authorities to enter into intergovernmental cooperation agreements with municipalities and/or other municipal authorities. 

"Municipalities can currently enter into working relationships -- joint purchasing, contracts, equipment, and administrative functions -- with other municipalities," said Sen. Orie.  "This bill would specifically permit and encourage cooperation between municipal authorities and local governments.  By pooling their resources, they can collectively address many individual needs, while saving taxpayers money."

This bill came as a result of a recommendation by the Center for Local Government Services at a hearing on multi-municipal planning and shared services.

Senate Bill 284 would provide municipalities with additional time to enact conforming ordinances after the adoption of a multi-municipal comprehensive plan.

"It is important to encourage municipal cooperation as much as possible," said Sen. Orie.  "If a municipality adopts a multi-municipal plan, this bill simply gives them additional time to get all of their ordinances in compliance with the plan."

Contact:

Nate Silcox
(717) 787-6538