2004-049-RES OPPOSING ANY SCHOOL FINANCE OR TAX SYSTEM REFORMS THAT WOULD NEGATIVELY AFFECT CITY REVENUES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS
RESOLUTION NO. 2004-049
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS,
PARIS, TEXAS, OPPOSING ANY SCHOOL FINANCE OR TAX SYSTEM
REFORMS THAT WOULD NEGATIVELY AFFECT CITY REVENUES AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS
AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING 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 theses 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, adjusted for inflation, municipal property taxes went up by only 37 percent
between 1985 and 2002, while population grew by 33 percent, demonstrating that 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 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 PARIS, PARIS,
TEXAS:
Section 1. That the findings set out in the preamble to this resolution are hereby in all things
approved.
Section 2. That the City Council of the City of Paris, Paris, Texas, will oppose all school
finance or tax reform efforts by the Texas Legislature that negatively impact the ability ofthe 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 3. That this resolution shall be effective from and after its date of passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 8th day of March, 2004.
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ATTEST:
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Mattie Cunningham, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM: