04-041 - R TOWN OF PROSPER, TEXAS RESOLUTION NO. 04-41
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
PROSPER, TEXAS, URGING THE LEGISLATURE NOT TO ADOPT ANY
SCHOOL FINANCE OR TAX SYSTEM REFORMS THAT WOULD
NEGATIVELY AFFECT TOWN 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 municipal 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, the Town of Prosper relies on tax revenue to build basic infrastructure,
to ensure public safety through police and fire departments, and to provide numerous
essential services for its residents; 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 to taxpayers' money; and
WHEREAS, efforts to further 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 TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
PROSPER, TEXAS:
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SECTION 1. That the governing body of the Town of Prosper will oppose all school
finance or tax reform efforts by the Texas Legislature that negatively impact the ability of
the Town to provide basic essential services, conduct economic development activities,
and ensure public safety by further 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.
RESOLVED THIS THE 13th DAY OF APRIL, 2004.
Charles Nis g r, May
ATTEST TO:
& rg5ecretary
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