Title
Resolution expressing concerns about the State of Wisconsin Legislature's proposal for a constitutional amendment regarding Taxpayer Protection (TP) on revenue limits.
Body
WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin Legislature is considering companion Assembly and Senate Joint Resolutions (SJR63 and AJR77) for a constitutional amendment regarding Taxpayer Protection (TP) on revenue limits; and,
WHEREAS, the constitutional amendment, if passed, would (1) result in a reduction of services, (2) jeopardize the City future economic development, and (3) reduce local control and home rule; and,
WHEREAS, such revenue limits in this proposed constitutional amendment do not belong in the constitution and should be considered legislatively; and,
WHEREAS, local governments for many years have been controlling spending, limiting levy increases, and implementing many operational efficiencies.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of West Allis that the City does hereby express its serious concerns about the State of Wisconsin Legislature's proposal for a constitutional amendment regarding the Taxpayer Protection on revenue limits, specifically as follows:
1. The definition of revenues included in the limits needs to be substantially changed to exclude all revenues in Special Revenue Funds and Enterprise Funds, as defined by Generally Accepted Accounting and Auditing Practices. Also, all fees related to planning and development, health and safety, emergencies and homeland security should be exempted. Finally, fees charged for uniquely provided services to individuals or businesses that only directly benefit from the charge for those services should also be excluded; charges for services to tax-exempt properties should also be an adjustment to the revenue limits.
2. The constitutional amendment should first address certain major expenditure reform issues such as health care costs, collective bargaining, and future Government Accou...
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