Relating to local government, including the approval of action by ordinance and posting of public notices

Description

Senate File 2434 prohibits a department, office, or other subunit of a county or city from making internal policies or rules without the board of supervisors or city council approving the action through an ordinance. This Bill also requires any ordinance adopted by a board of supervisors or city council to have a cost analysis completed that shows the cost to taxpayers and businesses as well as other economic impacts of the ordinance. The results of the cost analysis must then be made accessible to the public on the official Internet site of the county or city. The Bill takes effect upon enactment.

The Bill excludes public safety agencies defined in Iowa Code section 34.1 or county offices under the direction of county officers referenced in Iowa Code section 39.17 from the cost analyses requirements.

Background

Iowa Code section 331.301 provides counties with powers and limitations on ordinances, while Iowa Code section 364.3 provides cities with powers and limitations on ordinances.

Assumption

There will be an increase in costs associated with the cost-benefit analysis required for each county and city ordinance, but the increase is unknown.

Fiscal Impact

Cities and counties would see an increase in administrative costs due to the cost analyses required by the Bill; however, due to the variability in scope and number of analyses, the increase cannot be determined.

Source

• Iowa League of Cities