2007-10-05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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8. Very complicated programs add to the confusion, which leads to government mistrust. League Policy: The League encourages: 1. Amore streamlined system of reassessment, perhaps done somewhat less frequently, that adds more certainty, reduces the need for appeals, maintains fairness, and instills confidence; 2. The State to simplify the two programs that offer relief to seniors, the Circuit Breaker for low and moderate income seniors, and the Homestead Program, for somewhat higher income seniors facing the largest increases in assess value; 3. The State allocate funds to make up any local losses due to property tax simplification and provide for growth; and 4. The State close loopholes that allow shifts in the tax burden from commercial to residential, unless the State hold homeowners harmless by utilizing state funds. D 9. Collective Bargaining In early 2007, the Missouri Supreme Court determined that all public employees, including police and supervisors, have the authority to bargain collectively with municipal employers. However, no statute guides the process for the previously excluded groups. In addition, all labor agreements are binding on both parties during the term of the contract. This decision overturns 50 years of precedent, adds confusion, and will result in significant costs to taxpayers. League Policy: The League supports legislation to clarify issues related to the bargaining process without changing the underlying "meet and confer" law. The League also supports legislation to clarify that cities should have authority to enter into agreements that allow cities to modify memoranda of understanding when unforeseen situations occur. The League adamantly opposes any efforts to allow binding arbitration in collective bargaining negotiations. Personnel and financial decisions should be determined by local officials who are responsive to the public, not by an outside arbitrator. D. 10 Overtime Pay for Public Safety Employees The Missouri Department of Labor ruled in 2006 that municipalities must pay overtime to all employees. This greatly impacts budgets for police and fire service, which routinely schedules employees to work over 40 hours in some weeks but balance that with additional days off. The decision eliminates this option and is currently causing cities to pay significant amounts of overtime and/or modify practices supported by both employers and employees. League Policy: The League strongly supports legislation that exempts public safety employees from the provisions of Missouri's overtime laws and retains the ability to follow the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (ELBA) in order to return stability to municipal budgets and provide work rules supported by employers and employees.