03-13 - 03-18 - Call for Local Control Levies and Budgets Resolution 03-13 March 18, 2003
Member Johnson introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR LOCAL CONTROL
OF MUNICIPAL LEVIES, BUDGETS AND FINANCING
WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota is faced with a budget deficit in excess of $4
billion for the 2004-05 biennium;
WHEREAS, reductions in aids to local governments will be part of the state's budget
balancing efforts;
WHEREAS, local governments in Minnesota operate on a calendar year budget,
have already certified their property tax levies for 2003, and have budgeted for LGA
payments and market value homestead credit reimbursements as certified by the
Department of Revenue;
WHEREAS, local Mayors and City Council Members have been elected by the
residents and are directly accountable to those people;
WHEREAS, local elected officials are closest to the people and possess an in-depth
knowledge of local conditions, concerns and priorities;
WHEREAS, the challenge of balancing local budgets while maintaining valuable
public services will require innovation and flexibility;
WHEREAS, issuance of debt is a necessary tool for management of municipal
finances and restrictions on debt issuance when interest rates are at 40-year low is a
disservice to cities and will eventually increase the cost of capital expenditures.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Golden Valley calls on the
Minnesota Legislature to NOT enact limitations on local governments' ability to respond to
the challenges and priorities of their individual communities;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Golden Valley calls on the Minnesota
Legislature to NOT enact any restrictions on the City's ability to issue Equipment
Certificates, Street Improvement Bonds and Tax Abatement Bonds as these sources of
financing are needed for scheduled equipment replacement, on-going infrastructure
improvements, and street improvements needed as a result of expansion by the City's
largest taxpayer.
Linda R. Loomis, Mayor
Resolution 03-13 - Continued March 18, 2003
ATTEST:
Donald G. Taylor, Jerk
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was seconded by Member Grayson
and upon a vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Grayson,
Johnson, LeSuer, Loomis and Tremere; and the following voted against the same: none,
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the Mayor
and her signature attested by the City Clerk.