The council may establish a public expenditure policy (“Policy”) to identify certain types of expenditures as being for a public purpose and within the city’s authority to expend city funds on. The Policy shall not limit the authority of the city to make expenditures otherwise authorized by law. If adopted, the council shall review the Policy periodically and update it as needed. In establishing, reviewing, and approving the Policy, the council shall consider whether the expenditures to be authorized by the Policy: 1) benefits the community as a whole; 2) are directly related to governmental functions; and 3) primarily benefits the public interest, not a private interest. In establishing, reviewing, and approving the Policy, the council shall consider the opinion of the city attorney and statewide sources of authority, which may include judicial determinations, Minnesota Attorney General opinions, and findings of the Office of the State Auditor. Expenditures related to any of the following activities shall be deemed authorized if the Policy expressly provides authorization: international, cultural, and economic development programs; community events, festivals, and celebrations; miscellaneous employee benefits; employee recognition; and funding for conference attendance. The council may also provide specific authorization regarding any other expenditure.
(Ord. 23-017, passed 11-13-2023)