Res 1991 - 04 Opposing Further Cuts in State Aid to CitiesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS /,�'
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA�YJ
RESOLUTION NO. 91 - �4
RESOLUTION OPPOSING FURTHER CUTS IN STATE AID TO CITIES
WHEREAS, State Aid helps fund basic City Services for the City
of Mendota Heights 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, previous reductions in State Aid has reduced City
income by $426,000 and resulted in an 18 percent increase in local
taxes; 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, the City of Mendota Heights operates under a frugal
and conservative budget, with current operating expenditures of
only 76 percent of the average of inetropolitan area communities.
� NOW THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of
the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota, that State Aid to Cities be
maintained at current levels.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that further cuts in property tax
relief programs or tightening of levy limits for Pay 1991-1993 will
force the City of Mendota Heights to raise property taxes and
seriously affect our ability to provide vital services to our
citizens.
BE IT FURTHER 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 of Mendota Heights this 5th
day of February, 1991.
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
By �� � `�
Charles E. Mertensotto
Mayor
ATTEST:
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K thleen M. Swanson
City Clerk