HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC RES 91-015 RESOLUTION OPPOSING FURTHER CUTS IN STATE AID TO CITIES Meeting Sheet
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Box: 26
Folder: RES 1991
Document: CC RES 91-015 RESOLUTION OPPOSING FURTHER CUTS IN
STATE AID TO CITIES
CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
RESOLUTION 91-015
A RESOLUTION OPPOSING FURTHER CUTS IN STATE AID TO CITIES
WHEREAS, State aid helps fund basic city services for the City of St. Anthony and aid cuts
would force large property tax increases and threaten cuts in these services;
and
WHEREAS, many city services are essential--police and fire protection, drug programs,
ambulance and emergency services, and sewer, sanitation, and water services--
and affect citizens' health and safety. The state has an interest and
responsibility to help finance these services; and
WHEREAS, if property taxes increased as a result of aid cuts, the tax rate disparities
between some neighboring cities and between cities and adjoining townships
would widen causing great taxing inequities. The state has a responsibility to
ensure a reasonable level of equity in its tax system; and
WHEREAS, our City has already faced large aid cuts; in 1989, $85 million in aid was
• shifted from cities to school districts; in 1990, city aid was permanently cut by
$15.6 million and the $30 million LGA inflation adjustment was eliminated for
Pay 1991 and all future years; for 1992, another $29 million dollars in local aid
cuts are expected to meet the budget reduction target in the 1990 tax bill; and
WHEREAS, we oppose Governor Carlson's plan to cut local government aid (LGA) and
homestead and agricultural credit aid (HACA)by$21 million to help solve the
$197 million state budget shortfall; and
WHEREAS, cities are not the cause of the current budget crisis, and cities, like our own,
have proven to be frugal spenders. Per capita city spending in 1989 was
virtually unchanged from its level in 1980; and
WHEREAS, while state spending on higher education, welfare, and state agencies has
increased significantly, LGA and property tax relief funding have become
smaller portions of state spending.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of St. Anthony, jvfinnesota, that
state aid to cities be maintained at current levels; and
FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED that further cuts in property tax relief programs
or tightening of levy limits for Pay 1991-1993 will force the City of St. Anthony
Is
to raise property taxes and seriously affect our ability to provide vital services
to our citizens; and
• FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED that our members of the Minnesota State
Legislature oppose cuts in state aid to cities, tightening of levy limits, or reductions based
on fund balances.
Adopted this la-L& day of�,�'l YGiLc r,-/ , 1991.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Reviewed for administration:
City Manager
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