Last year, Coon Rapids became the first Minnesota city to pass a prepay at the pump ordinance. But enthusiasm for the ordinance may have run out of gas.
The City Council seems ready to repeal the ordinance when it meets on April 2.
"It appears the majority of the council is leaning that way," said council member Paul Johnson.
Johnson isn't saying how he will vote. But Mayor Tim Howe and Council Member Jerry Koch voted against the ordinance last year and are expected to vote for its repeal. Scott Schulte and Melissa Larson voted for the ordinance last August, but are no longer council members.
Coon Rapids Police Chief Brad Wise recently told the council that the ordinance has reduced the number of drive-away thefts at city gas stations.
But merchants say that sales are down because of the inconvenience for customers who want to take advantage of coupons or don't have credit cards.
Paul levy
plevy@startribune.com
