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RESOLUTION NO.!frJ,/)()!J-(}O3
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS, CONTINUING TO URGE THE
LEGISLATURE NOT TO ADOPT ANY SCHOOL FINANCE REFORM OR TAX SYSTEM
CHANGES THAT WOULD NEGATIVELY AFFECT CITY REVENUES AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, on March 23, 2004 the City of Denton, Texas passed Resolution No.
R2004-012 urging the Texas Legislature not to adopt any school finance reform or tax system
changes that would negatively affect city revenues and economic development efforts;
WHEREAS, the Texas Legislature was called into a Fourth Special Session and failed to
pass school finance reforms; and
WHEREAS, during the special session by the Texas Legislature, proposals to limit the
ability of cities to collect property taxes and sales taxes were 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, 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 to taxpayers' money; and
WHEREAS, it is the City of Denton, Texas highest priority to continue to urge the Texas
Legislature not to adopt legislation to limit the ability of cities to collect sales and property tax
revenues or to set tax rates that would have severe negative impacts on city services, city
employees, economic development efforts, and ultimately the citizens of the State of Texas;
NOW, THEREFORE,
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THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HEREBY RESOLVES:
SECTION I. That the governing body of the City of Denton, Texas will continue to
oppose all school finance reforms or tax system changes by the Texas Legislature that
negatively impact the ability of the 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 2. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage and
approval.
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2005.PASSED AND APPROVED this the ~ day of
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ATTEST:
JENNIFER WALTERS, CITY SECRETARY
APP VED AS TO LEGAL FORM:
HERB PROUTY, CITY ATTORNEY
BY: MírJ'ffu¡j c-J?~
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