Res 047-2004 4/6/2004RESOLUTION NO. qT - aQ ( A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA
FALLS, TEXAS, OPPOSING ANY SCHOOL FINANCE OR TAX SYSTEM
REFORMS THAT WOULD NEGATIVELY AFFECT CITY REVENUES
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS, FINDING AND
DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS RESOLUTION
WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
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, the ability of cities to collect property taxes and sales taxes are
totally separate issues from and totally unrelated to school financing; 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 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, 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 mandated,
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 WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, THAT
SECTION 1. The governing body of the City of Wichita Falls 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.
SECT 2 . It is hereby officially found and determined that the meeting at
which this resolution was passed was open to the public as required by law.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the 6th day of April, 2004.
k . A
MAYOR
ATTEST.
j City Clerk