HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-1170 03-24-2004RESOLUTION NO. 04 -1170
A RESOLUTION OPPOSING TAX SYSTEM REFORMS
THAT WOULD NEGATIVELY AFFECT CITY REVENUES
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS
WHEREAS, it is likely that the Texas Legislature will address 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, families throughout the State of Texas currently enjoy one of the
least tax laden states within the nation without the added burden of a state income tax;
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, adjusted for inflation, municipal property taxes went up by only 37
percent between 1985 and 2002, while population grew by 33 percent, demonstrating
that growth in municipal property tax levies roughly matched population growth; 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 arbitrarily 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 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
EULESS, TEXAS:
SECTION 1
THAT the goveming body of the Euless City Council will oppose all tax reform
efforts by the Texas Legislature that negatively impact the ability of Texas cities to
provide 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.
APPROVED at a regular meeting of the Euless City Council on the 23rd day of
March, 2004, by a vote of 6 ayes 0 nays, and 0 abstentions.
APPROVED:
1 CU kL- r' ,r1./E/L.
Mary Lib Sgieh, Mayor
ATTEST:
an Cri , CMC, City Secretary
Resolution No. 04 -1170, Page 2 of 2