COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – Council Bluffs officials have passed an ordinance that will allow people from outside of Iowa to seek positions within the municipal government. The Daily Nonpareil reports that the City Council’s approval Monday will allow residents of the metropolitan area who live in Nebraska, or even farther in South Dakota or Missouri, to seek positions with the city, police or fire departments.

Republican state Rep. Mary Ann Hanusa of Council Bluffs co-wrote a law that passed this year allowing cities to seek employment from outside the state. Hanusa said Council Bluffs city workers had raised concerns about the same-state restriction.

Mayor Matt Walsh says Council Bluffs is limited in potential employees because it represents about 10 percent of the metro area’s entire population. The ordinance goes into effect July 1st.