Which body has final approval authority for a plat within city limits?

The City Council (or Town Board of Trustees) is the body that holds the final approval authority for a plat within city limits. This authority is pivotal in ensuring that any proposed development or subdivision complies with local zoning laws, land use policies, and city planning objectives. The City Council typically reviews the recommendations made by the Planning Commission, which may include input from various stakeholders, such as residents and city staff.

Once the Planning Commission has completed its review and made recommendations, it is the City Council’s responsibility to grant final approval, ensuring that the proposed changes align with the community's overall development goals and legal requirements. This check-and-balance process is crucial for maintaining orderly growth and development in urban areas.

The other options do not have the final authority in this context. The Planning Commission can recommend approvals but does not finalize them. The County Treasurer deals with financial aspects related to property but not with the approval of plats. The State Land Office generally oversees state-owned lands but does not intervene in city-specific plat approvals. Therefore, the City Council's role is central to the local governance of land use within city limits.