Resolution 40-99 Deputy Registrar

WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota established a public/private deputy registrar system to provide citizens convenient locations to conduct title registration services for motor vehicles and DNR recreational vehicles; and,

WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota in 1949 established a user service fee on motor vehicle transactions to be retained by the deputy registrar to defray the cost of providing the local service; and,

WHEREAS, since 1983, the user service fee for motor vehicle transactions has had only one increase of $0.25 in 1989. Since 1989, the consumer price index has increased by more than 30% and the minimum wage has increased 41%; and,

WHEREAS, the deputy registrar administrative fee is a user fee that should fully support the cost of providing motor vehicle transactions; and,

WHEREAS, the user service fee no longer covers the operational costs to maintain most deputy registrar offices. Public deputy registrars must use property tax levy to subsidize this service. Rural areas with lower volumes are in jeopardy of losing service.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council for the City of Mountain Iron, Minnesota, that it supports and recommends a user service fee increase in the year 2000 to maintain local title and registration service to the citizens of Minnesota.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the City Council for the City of Mountain Iron, Minnesota, that it further recommends that the legislature provides for future user service fee increases based on an acceptable economic indicator.

DULY ADOPTED THIS 7TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 1999.