HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-043
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RKSOLll'fiOH RO. 91-43
OPPOSIIlG nJlC."J.'Imll arrs III S'lA'I'E AID !O CI'fiES
WHEREAS, state aid helps fund basic city services for the City of Stillwater and
aid cuts would force large property tax increases and cuts in city services;
WHEREAS, many city services are essential and affect citizens' health and safety.
The state has an interest and responsibility to help finance these services;
WHEREAS, if property taxes increased as a result of aid cuts, the tax rate
disparities between neighboring cities an.d townships WQuld widen causing great
taxing inequities. The state has a responsibility to ensure a reasonable level
of equity in its tax system;
WHEREAS, the City of Stillwater already faced large aid cuts: In 1989, $361,581
in aid was shifted from the city to the school district; in 1990, city aid was
permanently cut $64,679 and the inflation adjustment was eliminated for payable
1991 and future years; in 1991 $89,141 in local aid was cut to solve the $197
million state budget shortfall and another $89,141 in aid cuts is proposed to
solve the $1. 2 billion state budget shortfall; for 1992, aid cuts totaling
$1,586,391 have been proposed by Governor Carlson;
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WHEREAS, the impact of this loss in local aid translates to a city property tax
increase of 120 percent and will be directly felt by the City of Stillwater and
its taxpayers to the degree of economic disaster and financial hardship;
WHEREAS, we strongly oppose Governor Carlson's plan to eliminate HACA and
Disparity Aid and further reductions in LGA to solve the state budget crises;
WHEREAS, cities are !!5tt the cause of the current budget crises and cites,
including Stillwater, have proven to be frugal spenders while providing
accountability of city expenditures for services to their constituents.
WHEREAS, state spending on higher education, welfare and state agencies has
increased significantly, LGA and property tax relief funding have become smaller
portions of state spending.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City COuncil of the City of Stillater,
Minnesota, that state aid to cities be maintained at current levels;
FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED that further cuts in property tax relief programs
or tightening of levy limits for pay 1991 - 1993 will force the City of
stillwater to raise property taxes and seriously affect our ability to provide
vital services to our citizens.
This resolution is hereby passed and approved this 12th day of March, 1991.
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Attest: )tu17 ~
City Cler