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\N F. How will joining the City of Pequot Lakes affect Township Residents? 1. Currently the Township contracts with Police and Fire protection through the City of Pequot Lakes. This will remain the same. 2. The current area that is defined as Jenkins Township will be designated(within the Joint Resolution) a Rural Service District and the urban area of Pequot Lakes will remain an Urban Service District. As a Rural Service District, there will not be restrictions placed on the township that would be relative to urban areas, such as hunting on lands in the township. The rural character of the Township would be maintained as much as possible. 3. Taxation of the Jenkins Township residents would NOT be brought up to the level of taxation within the City of Pequot Lakes. This is accomplished through the CWC Auditor's office, who will work with the City to establish a Rural Service Taxing District. The current tax level of the township (which is less than that of the City)will always BE LESS THAN THAT OF THE CITY'S. There will always be an incremental difference, which will allow the residents of Jenkins Township to be taxed lower than City residents. Ex: When the City increases their tax levy by 3%, the township levy would also increase by 3%. However, the increment or difference of the tax rate at the time of Orderly Annexation will be maintained, and never raised to the level of the Urban District. The only exceptions to this are current commercial property,which will be raised to the level of the City's commercial tax rate, over a period of 6 years; or if the City should extend \.., water and sewer to portions of the township. This is extremely unlikely to occur. 4. The City of Pequot Lakes Planning and Zoning Department will provide services for all issues of zoning, platting, development, permits, etc. and not Crow Wing County P & Z. This will allow for more local control,better response to violations and easier access for residents in need of permits. The City of Pequot Lakes has an established P & Z office and Planner. They also have updated all their ordinances and have a knowledgeable eight member Board. 5. The Jenkins Township Board will no longer exist when the Orderly Annexation is approved by the State. Township representatives may have a voice in matters of their former township, upon approval by the Pequot City Council to increase their number of council seats. This was done when Sibley Township joined the City. All current township residents will have the opportunity to run for election, representing their former township neighbors, or serve on any City Committees. 6. Road maintenance will be done by the Pequot Lakes road department. The City department has adequate employees and equipment to service the roads within the area of the township. All road inquiries will be reported to the City of Pequot Lakes staff.