RE 2004-03-23.2A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF COPPELL, TEXAS
RESOLUTION NO. 2004-0323.2
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF COPPELL, TEXAS, OPPOSING ANY
SCHOOL FINANCE OR TAX SYSTEM REFORMS THAT WOULD
NEGATIVELY AFFECT CITY REVENUES AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS.
WHEREAS, it is likely that the Texas Legislature will address school finance and tax
system reforms in the near future; and
WHEREAS, during these deliberations by the Texas Legislature, proposals to limit the
ability of cries to collect property taxes and sales taxes are likely to be offered by some members of
the Legislature; and
WHEREAS, additional restrictions on cry taxes fly in the face of a history of frugal tax
administration by Texas cities; and
WHEREAS, the cry of Coppell's property tax represents only 22.6% of the total property
tax burden in our community; and
WHEREAS, adjusted for inflation, municipal property taxes in the state of Texas went up
by only 37% between 1985 and 2002, while population grew by 33%, demonstrating that growth in
municipal property tax levies roughly matched population growth; and
WHEREAS, Texas cities rely on tax revenue to build infrastructure, to ensure public safety
through police and fire departments, and to provide numerous essential services for cry residents,
who are 80% of the State's population; and
WHEREAS, Texas cries engage in numerous economic development activities that
produce jobs and revenue for the entire state of Texas; and
WHEREAS, Texas cities are the main provider of infrastructure and services that support
the economic growth of the State; 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, efforts to limit the ability of cities to collect sales and property tax revenues or
to set tax rates would have severe negative impacts on CRy services, CRy employees, economic
development efforts, and ultimately the citizens of the state of Texas.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF COPPELL, TEXAS:
That the governing body o£ the city of Coppell, Texas will oppose all school fmance or tax reform
efforts 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.
DULY PASSED by the City Council ogthe City of Copp¢ll, Texas, this the ~/~day of
March 2004.
ATTEST:
LIBBY BALL~fl'~ SE--CRET-AR~
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
RO~~~ATTO~Y