Take off the handcuffs.

That’s likely to be the message county and city officials pass to area legislators Friday when they meet to discuss issues pertinent to the county. As in past years, mandate reform is near the top of the list, as well as aid to county and city governments.

The board is set to meet with Sen. Dan Sparks, Rep. Jeanne Poppe and Rep. Rich Murray at 1 p.m. in the county board room to discuss issues and request action during the legislative session.

Sparks and Poppe will then meet with Mayor Tom Stiehm and City Council members in City Council Chambers at 3 p.m.

County officials have long called for the state to ease the burden of mandates. Last week, Human Services Director Julie Stevermer said mandated costs account for about $3 million of her roughly $9 million budget.

By easing the burden of mandated services, the county board would have more options when cutting the budget to reduce costs.

County officials also plan to discuss legislation that could make the auditor-treasurer an appointed position. Last year, the board sought a change to be able to appoint the county recorder, but a bill was not passed.

“The county board is always eager to talk to us so we can understand their viewpoint,” Poppe said.

The county board also plans to request funding to complete the extension of the Shooting Star Trail from Adams to Rose Creek. Once that’s done, officials can begin planning ways for the trail to reach Austin.

Other issues on the agenda include the financial effect of voter ID legislation and the effect of levy limits.

Poppe said she and Sparks meet with county and city officials every year to discuss local concerns.

She said part of the meeting is for the purpose of meeting the new board and council members.

“They both have new people, so it’s a good opportunity for us to understand each other a little bit better by meeting and talking,” she said. “For the most part it’s about hearing from that what their issues and concerns might be.”