HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 04 04 Prop TaxRESOLUTION NO. 04-04
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF UNIVERSITY PARK, TEXAS, URGING THE
LEGISLATURE NOT TO ADOPT ANY SCHOOL FINANCE OR TAX SYSTEM
REFORMS THAT WOULD NEGATIVELY AFFECT CITY REVENUES AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, it is likely that the Texas Legislature will address school finance and tax
system reforms in the near future; and
WHEREAS, during 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 to 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,
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UNIVERSITY PARK HEREBY RESOLVES:
SECTION 1. That the governing body of the City of University Park will oppose all
school finance or tax reform efforts by the Texas Legislature that negatively impact the ability of
the City to provide basic essential services, conduct economic development activities, and ensure
public safety by limiting our ability, beyond the provisions of current law, to collect property tax
or sales tax revenues.
SECTION 2. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and
approval.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the 6th day of)pril 2004. f~
/HAROLD PEEK, MAYOR
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ROBERT RNEY
L. DILLARD, III, CITY