HomeMy WebLinkAbout4-29-2004-13.04 - Resolution - 04/29/2004RESOLUTION NO. ~,-29-200~,-t3.04
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION,
TEXAS, OPPOSING ANY SCHOOL FINANCE OR TAX SYSTEM REFORMS THAT
WOULD NEGATIVELY AFFECT CITY REVENUES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
EFFORTS
WHEREAS, ~t 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 abihty of cities to collect property taxes and sales taxes are hkely to be offered
by some members of the Leg~sle~ure; and
WHEREAS, additional restrictions on city taxes fly in the face of a history of
frugal tax admimstration 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 mumcipal share of all property tax
revenue fell f~om 20.3 percent to 15.3 pement; and
WHEREAS, Texas cities rely on tax revenue to build basic infrastructure, to
ensure pubhc safety through police and fire departments, and to provide numerous
essential services for c~ty residents, who are 80 percent of the state's population, and
WHEREAS, Texas c~t~es engage in numerous economic development act~wties
that produce jobs and revenue for the entire State of Texas; and
WHEREAS, citrus must meet the challenges of homeland secunty and
compliance w,th 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 ad valorem tax and to
collect sales tax revenues or to set ad valorem tax rates would have severe negative
impacts on City services, City employees, economic development efforts, and ultimately
the c~flzens of the State of Texas; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE
STATION, TEXAS:
That the governing body of the City of College Station opposes 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 the ability, beyond the provisions of current law, to
assess and collect property taxes or collect sales taxes
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 29TM day of April 2004.
APPROVED:
ATTEST'
Connie Hooks, City Secretary
APPROVED
City Attomey