R-2275-4-04RESOLUTION NO. 2275-4-04(R)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALLEN, COLLIN
COUNTY, TEXAS, URGING THE LEGISLATURE NOT TO ADOPT ANY SCHOOL
FINANCE OR TAX SYSTEM REFORMS THAT WOULD NEGATIVELY AFFECT
CITY REVENUES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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 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 mandates; and,
WHEREAS, Texas cities have shown over the years that they are fiscally responsible and good stewards of the
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 ALLEN,
COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS, THAT:
SECTION 1. The Allen City Council will oppose all school finance or tax reform efforts by the Texas
Legislature that would 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.
' SECTION 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage.
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DULY PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALLEN, COLLIN
COUNTY, TEXAS, ON THIS THE 13TH DAY OF APRIL, 2004.
APPPR-OOV�ED:^J
(v AP
Stephen Terrell, MAYOR
ATTEST:
Shelley B. Geo e, TRMC, CTT ECRETARY
Resolution No. 2275-4-04(R), Page 2