Title
Resolution Opposing State Levy Limits.
Body
WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin Legislature is considering the passage of levy limits for local government; and,
WHEREAS, said levy limits would have a detrimental effect on the City of West Allis and the services it provides; and
WHEREAS, the implementation of levy limits would affect the City's revenue raising capacity by approximately $1,500,000; and,
WHEREAS, said loss of revenue raising capacity, when taken together with a loss of State shared revenue and other reduced State funding, less revenue from a reduction in investment earnings, and increased unfunded State mandates, would substantially affect the ability to provide basic services such as police, fire, public works, health, library, etc., and;
WHEREAS, levy limits violate the basic principle of municipal home rule under which locally elected officials identify needs and set priorities regarding the appropriate level of local property taxes and the services they support; and,
WHEREAS, levy limits create a disincentive to growth and restrict municipalities from paying for infrastructure that support new development and redevelopment; and,
WHEREAS, levy limits have a negative effect on municipal bond ratings and the ability to borrow funds and support debt service, which will result in a deterioration of community facilities and additional long range costs; and
WHEREAS, levy limits will severely restrict, if not eliminate, the City's ability to create and fund new and existing tax incremental financing districts which will adversely affect the City's ability to continue its revitalization efforts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of West Allis does hereby express its strong opposition to levy limits and urges the State Legislature to abandon such an idea.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of West Allis urges Governor Doyle to veto any such levy limit legislation t...
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