HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 05 04 Tax ReformRESOLUTION NO. 0 5 / 0 4
RESOLUTION OPPOSING ANY SCHOOL FINANCE
OR TAX REFORM MEASURES THAT WOULD
NEGATIVELY AFFECT LOCAL GOVERNMENT
REVENUES AND SERVICES
WHEREAS, it is likely that the Texas Legislature will address school finance and
tax system reforms in the near future; and
WHEREAS, during 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, 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, ensure
public safety through police and fire departments, and provide numerous essential
services for city residents, who comprise 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 unfounded 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 Texas;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
UNIVERSITY PARK, TEXAS:
THAT, it opposes all school finance or tax reform efforts by the Texas
Legislature that negatively impact the ability of local governments to provide basic
essential services, conduct economic development activities, and ensure public safety by
limiting their ability, beyond the provisions of current law, to collect tax revenue.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of University, Texas on the
19th day of January, 2005.
APPROVED AS TO FOI~VI:
CITY ATTORNEY
APPROVED~
ATTEST:
/N %W/I'L-S ON~- CI~-Y- SEi3 RET--ARY