91-019
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RESOLUTION NO. 19-91
A RESOLUTION OPPOSING FURTHER CUTS
IN STATE AID TO CITIES
WHEREAS, state aid helps fund basic city services for
the City of Shorewood 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
crises, 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 in higher education,
welfare, and state agencies has increased significantly, LGA and
property tax relief funding have become smaller portions of state
spending.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of
the City of Shorewood, Minnesota, that state aid to cities be
maintained at current levels;
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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 Shorewood to raise property
taxes and seriously affect our ability to provide vital services
to our citizens;
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 BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
day of February, 1991.
OF SHOREWOOD this 11th
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Barbar~ ~/Brancel, Mayor
ATTEST: .
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Bradle ~ Nielsen
Acting ity Administrator/Clerk
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes -
Nays -