HomeMy Public PortalAboutResolution No. 210.1-04 01-27-2004 RESOLUTION N0.210.1-04
• A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS,
OPPOSING ANY SCHOOL FINANCE OR TAX SYSTEM
REFORMS THAT WOULD NEGATIVELY AFFECT CITY
REVENUES AND ECONIMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS.
WHEREAS, it is unlikely that the Texas Legislature will address school finance
and tax system reform 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 he offered
by some members of the legislature; and
WHEREAS, additional restrictions on city taxes fly in the face of a history o~C
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, 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 though 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 challenge 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 taxpayer's 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 the city services, city
employees, economic development efforts, and ultimately the citizens of the State of
Texas.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COi1NCIL OF THE
CITY OF RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS:
That the governing body of the City of Richland Hills, Texas 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 revenue.
Passed and approved this 23rd day of March 2004.
CITY OF RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS
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Th ,Honorable Nelda Stroder, Mayor
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ATTEST: ~~~.a f,~
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APPROVED S T FORM AND LEGALITY: • y .
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Tim G. Sralla, City Attorney
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