HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2007 Reallocate Liquor and Beer Tax
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COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2007
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA,
OPPOSING A MOVE TO REALLOCATE LIQUOR AND BEER TAX MONIES TO THE
COUNTIES WHICH WOULD ELIMINATE NEEDED FUNDS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
FOR CITIES AND TOWNS.
WHEREAS, it has been called to our attention that the Interim Legislative Committee, supported
I by the County Commissioners and their state association (Montana Association of Counties), has
drafted legislation to present to the 1979 Legislature which takes from the cities and towns of
Montana the liquor and beer tax monies; and
WHEREAS, the Interim Legislative Committee will suggest allocating the monies to the counties
to be used in their alcohol treatment and drug abuse programs; and
WHEREAS, the present law states, "the liquor license tax monies are to be deposited to the
credit of the city or town general fund and spent for law enforcement and for regulation and
control of the sale and use of liquor"; and
WHEREAS, for beer tax monies it states, "all funds from the beer tax monies are to be spent
for stated purposes, such as law enforcement, maintenance of the transportation system and public
health"; and
WHEREAS, the City of Bozeman's Police Department spends approximately sixty percent (60%)
of its time controlling alcohol related problems, the City therefore relies on the liquor and
beer tax monies to help maintain the police force; and
WHEREAS, in Fiscal Year 1978 the City received $55,103.14 from liquor tax monies and
$64,156.42 from beer tax monies thus providing the City with a total of $119,259.56 which was
targeted to the Police Department; and
WHEREAS, $119,259.56 makes up 22~% of the Police Department's budget, and a reduction of
this amount would adversely affect the services rendered by the Police Department; and
WHEREAS, if this revenue was curtailed to the City of Bozeman, the City would have to
reduce its police force by eight (8) personnel to compensate for the loss of funds; and
I WHEREAS, it has been suggested that the cities and towns could compensate their loss by
increasing property taxes to their residents. However, this option is not available to the
City of Bozeman since it would mean an increase of 6~ mills to the all purpose general fund and
Bozeman is currently at its maximum limit of 65 mills for its all purpose general fund which
supports the operations of the Bozeman Police Department.
NOW, THEREFORE', BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission of the City of Bozeman herewith strongly
opposes any change in the present status of distribution of liquor and beer tax monies. If the
proposed change takes effect, the citizens of Bozeman will be affected adversely due to a
curtailment of services; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is herewith instructed to convey this message to our
State Legislative delegations and to officially record this resolution in the minutes of the
regular meeting of the City Commission on the 4th day of October, 1978.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Commission of the City of Bozeman on this 4th day of October, 1978.
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ATTEST:
.... .,s. JII-II ~...+,
Cl~rk of the City Commission
I State of Montana )
County of Gallatin:
City of Bozeman )
I, Erna V. Harding, Clerk of the Commission of the City of Bozeman
do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was published at length
in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, a newspaper of general circulation printed
and published in said City, in the issue dated October 17, 1978, and due
proof of such publication is on file in my office.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I hereunto set my hand and affix the corporate ---
seal of my office this 4th day of January, 1979. ~~~.l:.-'~
Clerk of the City Commission
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