Government Spending

Townships differ from Cities and Counties in that the elected Boards do not have the authority to set the spending limits. Township Boards prepare a budget and make a presentation to the voters at an Annual Meeting at which meeting the voters set the spending limits for the Township. By August, the Town Board decides how much of the spending limits authorized it will certify to the County for taxing. Traditionally, South Bend Township certifies 100% of the limits authorized. MN City Councils and County Boards don't have to ask the voters for spending authorizations, those bodies set the limits themselves. They then hold "Truth in Taxation" public hearings to hear public response to their proposed spending budgets. In terms of being Grassroots Government, Township Government is really grassroots based on its system of taxation.