HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2625 Stating opposition to CI27, which eliminates property taxes: 9-02-86
COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2625
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
BOZEMAN, MONTANA, STATING ITS OPPOSITION TO CON-
STITUTIONAL INITIATIVE NO. 27.
WHEREAS, Constitutional Initiative 27 eliminates property taxes as a
source of revenue to government; and
WHEREAS, local governments, including municipalities, depend to a great
extent on property taxes to pay for public services; and
WHEREAS, $1,700,000, or 44 percent, of the general fund revenues for
Bozeman are property taxes; and
WHEREAS, a loss of almost half of the general fund would severely im-
pair public safety, public works, and all aspects of general municipal services;
and
WHEREAS, 82 percent of employee benefits, including retirement and
health insurance, are paid from property taxes; and
WHEREAS, property taxes pay for 83 percent of general obligation bond
payments on the Swim Center, Senior Center and Library; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Bozeman approved a two-year special property
tax levy to purchase a new fire engine which is desperately needed to replace a
very old fire engine which is frequently in need of repairs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Commission of the
City of Bozeman, Montana, does oppose passage of Constitutional Initiative 27
because it would seriously jeopardize the City's ability to continue to provide
for the health, safety and welfare of its citizens; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Commission of the City of
Bozeman, Montana, does endorse the efforts of the Montana League of Cities
and Towns, the Montana Association of Counties, and the Montana School
Boards Association to have the initiative declared unconstitutional and removed
from the ballot.
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PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Commission of the City of Bozeman,
Montana, at a regular session thereof held on the 2nd
day of
September
, 1986.
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J " H A. MATI-IRE, Mayor
ATTEST:
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- N L. SULLIVAN
Clerk of the Commission
APPIlOVm AS TO ~
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City Attome,
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