Title
Resolution in regard to City's position with respect to shared revenues and levy limits as part of the new State biennium budget.
Body
WHEREAS, the conference committee on the state budget is expected to reach agreement soon; and,
WHEREAS, Wisconsin cannot thrive socially or economically without strong, healthy cities; and,
WHEREAS, Wisconsin communities have endured stagnant growth in state shared revenue since 2004, when shared revenue was cut 6.5% because of state budget difficulties; and,
WHEREAS, that reduction represented a $31.5 million loss of revenue-a 13% loss in state support, adjusted for inflation; and,
WHEREAS, despite declining state support, local governments have continued to work in partnership with state government to bring new jobs to Wisconsin and improve Wisconsin's quality of life; and,
WHEREAS, continuation of levy limits requires an increase in nonproperty tax revenues.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of West Allis impresses upon members of the conference committee that anything less than the 1.75% increase in state shared revenue proposed by Gov. Jim Doyle is inadequate to meet the needs and expectations of residents of our city to receive public protection and to enjoy an unsurpassed quality of life in West Allis.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of West Allis urges members of the conference committee to compromise between the Assembly and Senate positions on levy limits and adopt a levy limit of 3% over the prior year or net growth, whichever is greater.
ADM\ORDRES\ADMR343