S.F. No. 2179 (First Engrossment) requires legislative oversight of the Metropolitan Council (“Council”) budget.  The Council’s fiscal year is changed to start on July 1 to coincide with the state fiscal year.

Section 1 clarifies that the Legislative Commission on Metropolitan Government (“Commission”) must meet at least once per calendar year.

Section 2 requires the Commission to make its recommendations on the Met Council to the legislature by February 15 each year.  The subjects of the recommendations are listed.

Section 3 changes the Council’s budget year from the calendar year to a fiscal year starting on July 1.  The Met Council must present a proposed budget to House and Senate committees that have jurisdiction over the Council and to the Commission.  The proposed budget must cover the Council’s proposed budget for the next year.  The Council cannot adopt a final budget until the legislature enacts a law authorizing the Council’s budget.  If a budget is not enacted, the Council may continue to operate and implement its previously approved budget.

Section 4 requires that the Council also submit its proposed capital improvement program budget to the legislature for approval in the same manner as the budget in section 3.

Section 5 provides a schedule for the Council to transition to the new fiscal year.

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