R174RESOLUTION NO.174
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
KENNEDALE, TEXAS OPPOSING ANY SCHOOL FINANCE OR TAX
SYSTEM REFORMS THAT WOULD NEGATIVELY AFFECT CITY
REVENUES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS.
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, families throughout the State of Texas currently enjoy one of the least tax
laden states within the nation without the added burden of a state income tax; 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, adjusted for inflation, municipal property taxes went up by only 37 percent
between 1985 and 2002, while population grew by 33 percent, demonstrating growth in
municipal property tax levies roughly matched population growth; 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 arbitrarily set tax rates would have sever 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
KENNEDALE,TEXAS:
That the governing body of the City of Kennedale, Texas will oppose all school finance
or tax reform efforts by the Texas Legislature that negatively impact the ability of Texas cities to
provide 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.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
KENNEDALE, TEXAS on this 8~' day of Apri12004.
,yofKEN
,.....,,N~o.,
. ~ ~'
*: •
=~
*=
"ca ~ ~ `~
. ,}
., c e...
~~~
~ ~ ~*
ark S. Wright
Mayor
Kathy Tu1'fier
City Secretary