Pat O'Herren writes: Monitor closely. Requires local government to "demand by any lawful means" that federal agencies "coordinate" with local government on federal plans/policies.
Pat O'Herren writes: The bill is unnecessary because federal law already provides for these types of agreements between local government/districts and federal entities. What is not needed is a mandate that forces local government or a special district to pursue a course of action that is now voluntarily open to them.
If the legislature believes that a bill, rather than a resolution, is necessary in this matter, amending SB117 so that it is not mandatory would be a step in the right direction and could save local government (the public) significant unnecessary but mandated expenditures.
Missoula County opposes SB 117 - Coordination between local government, schools, districts and federal government, before the Senate for second reading this afternoon. Missoula County does not oppose collaboration, coordination, and cooperation but we do oppose a mandated requirement. Local governments already have the authority to communicate concerns about federal actions and Missoula County already does so. Requiring local governments to demand federal coordination is an unfunded mandate that overlooks the working relationships already established between federal and local government. SB 117 negatively impacts the counties fiscally by requiring staff time and resource allocation. Missoula County could reconsider its position if the bill were amended to provide for voluntary coordination. Please oppose SB 117. Respectfully, Dale Bickell on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners
Just to avoid potential confusion, although the amended bill reduces some of Missoula County's concerns, other changes to the bill continue to make it an onerous and unfunded mandate for local government to engage in actions with federal agencies that will have little, if any, positive outcome for citizens and local government.
Sent the following to Reps Barrett, Bennett, Malek and Reinhart on House Local Government:
Missoula County opposes SB 117 - Coordination between local government, schools, districts and federal government, before House Local Government tomorrow afternoon. Missoula County does not oppose collaboration, coordination, and cooperation but we do oppose a mandated requirement. Local governments already have the authority to communicate concerns about federal actions and Missoula County already does so. Requiring local governments to demand federal coordination is an unfunded mandate that overlooks the working relationships already established between federal and local government. SB 117 negatively impacts the counties fiscally by requiring staff time and resource allocation. Missoula County could reconsider its position if the bill were amended to provide for voluntary coordination. Please oppose SB 117. Respectfully, Dale Bickell on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners
Pat O'Herren writes:
ReplyDeleteMonitor closely. Requires local government to "demand by any lawful means" that federal agencies "coordinate" with local government on federal plans/policies.
Pat O'Herren writes:
ReplyDeleteThe bill is unnecessary because federal law already provides for these types of agreements between local government/districts and federal entities. What is not needed is a mandate that forces local government or a special district to pursue a course of action that is now voluntarily open to them.
If the legislature believes that a bill, rather than a resolution, is necessary in this matter, amending SB117 so that it is not mandatory would be a step in the right direction and could save local government (the public) significant unnecessary but mandated expenditures.
Missoula Senators:
ReplyDeleteMissoula County opposes SB 117 - Coordination between local government, schools, districts and federal government, before the Senate for second reading this afternoon. Missoula County does not oppose collaboration, coordination, and cooperation but we do oppose a mandated requirement. Local governments already have the authority to communicate concerns about federal actions and Missoula County already does so. Requiring local governments to demand federal coordination is an unfunded mandate that overlooks the working relationships already established between federal and local government. SB 117 negatively impacts the counties fiscally by requiring staff time and resource allocation. Missoula County could reconsider its position if the bill were amended to provide for voluntary coordination. Please oppose SB 117.
Respectfully,
Dale Bickell on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners
Sending the following to Senator Hinkle:
Pat O'Herren wrote:
ReplyDeleteJust to avoid potential confusion, although the amended bill reduces some of Missoula County's concerns, other changes to the bill continue to make it an onerous and unfunded mandate for local government to engage in actions with federal agencies that will have little, if any, positive outcome for citizens and local government.
Sent the following to Reps Barrett, Bennett, Malek and Reinhart on House Local Government:
ReplyDeleteMissoula County opposes SB 117 - Coordination between local government, schools, districts and federal government, before House Local Government tomorrow afternoon. Missoula County does not oppose collaboration, coordination, and cooperation but we do oppose a mandated requirement. Local governments already have the authority to communicate concerns about federal actions and Missoula County already does so. Requiring local governments to demand federal coordination is an unfunded mandate that overlooks the working relationships already established between federal and local government. SB 117 negatively impacts the counties fiscally by requiring staff time and resource allocation. Missoula County could reconsider its position if the bill were amended to provide for voluntary coordination. Please oppose SB 117.
Respectfully,
Dale Bickell on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners