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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 121404-Z - School Finance or Tax SystemRESOLUTION NO. /2 / s/ 04 - A RESOLUTION OPPOSING ANY SCHOOL FINANCE OR TAX SYSTEM REFORMS THAT WOULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT CITY REVENUES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS WHEREAS, it is likely that the Texas Legislature will address school finance and tax system reforms in the near future; and WHEREAS, dunng these deliberations by the Texas Legislature, proposals to limit the ability of cities to collect property taxes and sales taxes are likely to be offered by some members of the Legislature; and WHEREAS, additional restrictions on city taxes fly in the face of a history of frugal tax administration by Texas cities; and WHEREAS, all Texas cities combined collect only 15.3 percent of all property taxes collected in the State of Texas, while schools collect more than 60 percent, and WHEREAS, between 1985 and 2002, the municipal share of all property tax revenue fell from 20.3 percent to 15.3 percent; and WHEREAS, Texas cities rely on tax revenue to build basic infrastructure, to ensure public safety through police and fire departments, and to provide numerous essential services for city residents, who are 80 percent of the state's population; and WHEREAS, Texas cities engage in numerous economic development activities that produce jobs and revenue for the entire State of Texas; and WHEREAS, cities must meet the challenges of homeland security and compliance with state and federal mandates, many of which are unfunded mandates; and WHEREAS, Texas cities have shown over the years that they are fiscally responsible and good stewards of taxpayers' money; and WHEREAS, efforts to limit the ability of cities to collect sales and property tax revenues or to set tax rates would have severe negative impacts on city services, city employees, economic development efforts, and ultimately the citizens of the State of Texas; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS, THAT: SECTION 1: The City of Georgetown opposes all school finance or tax reform efforts by the Texas Legislature that would negatively impact the ability of cities to provide basic essential /Os. f02. 1V4 Sl Pale /o1C.z services, conduct economic development activities, and ensure public safety by limiting their ability, beyond the provisions of current law, to collect property tax or sales tax revenues. SECTION 2. The facts and recitations contained in the preamble of this resolution are hereby found and declared to be true and correct, and are incorporated by reference herein and expressly made a part hereof, as if copied verbatim. The City Council hereby finds that this ordinance implements the following policy of the Century Plan - Policy Plan Element: 1. Finance Policy End 14.0, which states: "All municipal operations are conducted in an efficient business -like manner and sufficient financial resources for both current and future needs are provided", and further finds that the adoption of this resolution is not inconsistent or in conflict with any other Century Plan. Policies, as required by Section 2.03 of the Administrative Chapter of the Policy Plan. RESOLVED this l4th day of December, 2004. ATTEST: Sandra D. Lee City Secretary APPROVED AS TO FORM: Patricia Carls City Attorney .2©e THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN: By: G., Nelon Mayor