HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 93-111 05/03/1993resolution No. 93-111 N ~.~.
of the City of Petaluma, California
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA
IN OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED CUTS
IN LOCAL FUNDS BY THE STATE LEGISLATURE
WHEREAS, the State of California failed to recognize the depth of the recession; and
WHEREAS., the State of California for the past several years has overestimated income and sales tax
revenues; and
WHEREAS, the State of California continued to pass legislation assigning programs to local
governments without regard to costs in a faltering economy; and
WHEREAS, the State of California is trying to correct a serious budget deficit through Draconian cuts
in funds allocated to local governments; and
WHEREAS, cities and counties provide essential services, including police and fire protection, to
citizens of the State of California; and
WHEREAS, cities and counties throughout California are suffering severe financial distress, and
several are on the brink of bankruptcy; and
WHEREAS, cities and counties are required to provide State-mandated services without adequate
funding; and
WHEREAS, cities have been contributing more than $240 million a year in local dollars to the State
General Fund through cigarette taxes, trial court funding, and other tees levied in the last two years;
and
WHEREAS, property taxes and vehicle license fees represent a substantial component of the funding
base of cities, allowing them to continue providing essential services, including police and fire
protection; and
WHEREAS, property tax monies were dedicated to local governments after the passage of Proposition
13 as the permanent, stable and long-term solution to local finance; and
WHEREAS, the State of California has bridged its budgetary deficits in previous years by raiding
local funds, such as liquor license fees, highway carriers uniform business taxes, business inventory
property tax relief, cigarette taxes, drinking water regulation fees, booking fees, and property tax
administration charges and Imes and forfeitures; and
WHEREAS, raids by the State Legislature on local funds this summer would gut support far police
and fire protection with no immediate source of tiscal relief, thereby compromising public safety; and
WHEREAS, the Executive Board of the Association of Bay Area Governments on June 18, 1992
expressed opposition to such practices by the Governor and the Legislature; and
WHEREAS, there is a need for along-term budgetary and constitutional reform at the State level; and
H~~S. rvo.....93.-1.11........ v.cs.
WHEREAS, the General Assembly of the Association of Bay Area Governments adopted a resolution
endorsing unity for fisca] reform on March 15, 1991; and
WHEREAS, the Executive Board, in cooperation with school districts, subsequently adopted. on June
13, 1991, a declaration of fiscal interdependency and statement of guiding principles for reform at the
State and local level;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Petaluma calls upon the Governor and
State Legislature to refrain from raiding local funds in an effort to bridge the budgetary gap in the
short term and calls upon legislators to develop responsible, long-term fiscal and constitutional
reforms; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State, in response to its own budget crisis, should not use
local funds to support State activities but should cut State spending, close tax. loopholes and raise its
own revenues and continue the current 1/2 cent sales tax; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor and the State Legislahire support a simple majority
on bond issues and taxes where the law requires such a vote, make specific revisions to the tax system
to better meet the needs of the California economy in the future; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all unfunded State mandates should be suspended.
Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City.
REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the Approved as to
Council of the City of Petaluma at a (Regular) (1~~1~) meeting form
on the ..-.3C;Cl .............. day of ...-.......lea.~...................-................-.-., 19..;~.~., by the
following vote: - •-------------•-----------•
City Attorney
AYES: Nelson, Read, Shea, Hamilton, Vice Mayor Sobel, Mayor Hilligoss
NOES: None
ABSENT
ATTEST;
CA 10-85
Barlas ,, ~' ~~._.~ QA
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CityClerk~~'~9~ ~~ L~®B~'
cil File-....--- ...................•- - -
RrS. No....93,-1.1.1......... N.cs