HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2004-06 RESOLUTION NO. R2004-06
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD,
TEXAS, OPPOSING ANY SCHOOL FINANCE OR TAX
SYSTEM REFORMS THAT WOULD NEGATIVELY
AFFECT CITY REVENUES AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS
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WHEREAS, it is likely that the Texas Legislature will address school finance and tax
system reforms in the near future; and
WHEREAS, during theses 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 t�es 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 t�revenue fell
from 20.3 percent to 15.3 percent; and
WHEREAS, Texas cities rely on t� 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 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 FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS:
That the governing body of the City of Friendswood 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,APPROVED,AND ADOPTED this 5th day of April , 2004.
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Kimball W. Brizendine, Mayor
Friendswood, Texas
ATTEST:
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Deloris McKenzie,
City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
C' Attorney