The League of Minnesota Cities is trying to get community members talking.

LMC is holding four “community conversations” in Austin this week so residents can discuss city-provided services and ways to pay for them.

All but one of the conversations has taken place, and Kevin Frazell, LMC director of member services, said the conversations have been insightful.

“People really do understand the funding shortfall … and know some services can’t be delivered the way they have in the past,” Frazell said.

The discussions are being held in a small group format so attendees can talk among themselves. Frazell facilitated one of Mondays conversations at the Mower County Senior Center.

“The people at my table were exceptionally thoughtful in articulating how important city services are to them,” he said.

Austin City Council member-at-large Janet Anderson previously said the conversations could be very telling and will help the entire state.

“It could have a statewide impact,” Anderson said. “Someone could have some really valuable insight.”

The League of Minnesota Cities is going to prepare a report that reflects its findings of the conversations, which are taking place in 12 Minnesota cities. Anderson said the report could help give legislators ideas or a sense of direction when drafting budget legislation in the future.

Frazell said he hopes legislators take the LMC findings seriously when drafting legislation, but some of that will depend on what community members are saying.

“It will all depend on how consistent people are throughout the state,” he said. “We hope it can make a difference.”