CC Resolution No. 1644 30
RESOLUTION NO. 1644
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, OPPOSING ANY
SCHOOL FINANCE OR TAX SYSTEM REFORMS THAT WOULD
NEGATIVELY AFFECT CITY REVENUES AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE
DATE THEREOF.
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 provide complete packages of services to schools including
police and fire protection, emergency management, water and wastewater services, streets and
drainage, all without any property taxes assessed to school property; 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 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,
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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN,
TEXAS:
Section 1: That the City Council of the City of Baytown 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.
Section 2: This resolution shall take effect immediately from and after its passage by
the City Council of the City of Baytown.
INTRODUCED, READ and PASSED, by the affirmative vote of the City Council of the
City of Baytown this the 81h day of April, 2004.
C 4,gG1
ATTEST: PETE C. ALFARO, Ntayor
GA W MITH, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ACIO RAMIREZ, SR., Attorney
FAKaren\Files\City Council\Resolutions\OpposingSchoolFinancingRefo=.doc
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