If you are a resident of Iowa, you may have come across the term «28E agreement» in official documents or news reports. But what exactly is a 28E agreement and how does it impact the state`s governance structure?
In simple terms, a 28E agreement is a legal document that allows two or more governmental entities to collaborate and share resources for a common purpose. These entities can be cities, counties, school districts, or any other form of local government in Iowa.
The name «28E» comes from Iowa Code Chapter 28E, which authorizes and regulates the formation and implementation of such agreements. The code outlines the requirements and procedures for creating and executing a 28E agreement, including the scope of the project, the responsibilities of each entity, and the duration of the agreement.
The primary goal of a 28E agreement is to promote efficiency, effectiveness, and economy in the delivery of public services. By pooling resources and expertise, local governments can tackle complex problems and provide better services to their constituents. For example, two neighboring cities can join forces to build a new wastewater treatment plant or a group of school districts can collaborate on a shared curriculum.
However, a 28E agreement is not a merger or consolidation of local governments. Each entity retains its own legal identity and authority, and the agreement is limited to the specific project or service outlined in the document. Moreover, a 28E agreement cannot violate any state or federal laws, and it must be approved by the governing bodies of each participating entity.
In Iowa, 28E agreements have been used for a wide range of purposes, such as joint purchasing, emergency management, health care, transportation, and regional planning. They have also been used to address issues related to economic development, environmental protection, and social services.
As a resident of Iowa, it is important to be aware of the existence and potential benefits of 28E agreements in your community. If you have any questions or concerns about a specific 28E agreement, you can contact your local government officials or consult the Iowa Code for more information.
