HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 04-084 RESOLUTION NO. 04-084
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 propertytaxes
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 populations; 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 BEAUMONT:
THAT the governing body of the City of Beaumont 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.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of Beaumont this the 13'day of April,
2004. � ���®®®®�
- yor Evelyn M. Lord -