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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09100RESOLUTION NO. 9100 A RESOLUTION STATING OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT 21 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS INITIATIVE #204 OR "TAX CUT 2000" WHEREAS, Douglas Bruce, originator of the TABOR Amendment desires to further amend the Colorado Constitution by an initiated measure to appear on the November 7, 2000 state general election ballot designated as Amendment 21 and commonly known as "Initiative #205" or "Tax Cut 2000," and WHEREAS, Amendment 21 would mandate a reduction in certain taxes and fees by $25.00 in each and every year into perpetuity until the entire tax or fee is eliminated and abolished. For example, the first year reduction in each tax would be $25.00, the second year reduction in each tax would be $50.00, and the third year reduction in each tax would be $75.00, etc.; and WHEREAS, Amendment 21 would potentially apply to a broad range of taxes and fees imposed by governmental and quasi - governmental entities that provide important and necessary services to the residents of Pueblo. These entities include the City of Pueblo, Pueblo County, School District 60, Pueblo Library District, Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District and other special service districts; and WHEREAS, the obvious intent of Amendment 21 is to eliminate and abolish the taxes that support the services provided by municipalities, counties and special districts and the Amendment may effectively bankrupt local governments and special districts; and WHEREAS, if Amendment 21 is approved by the Colorado voters, the City of Pueblo will likely be forced to curtail, reduce and potentially eliminate services that protect the public health and safety and that ensure our quality of life; and WHEREAS, if Amendment 21 is approved by the Colorado voters, other governments and special districts will likely reduce the level of services for law enforcement, fire protection, emergency response, drainage and flood control, public utilities, street maintenance and repair, and other important and necessary services enjoyed by the residents of Pueblo; and WHEREAS, sufficient citizen control over governmental revenue and spending already exists through the voter - approved provisions of the 1992 Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR); and WHEREAS, it is both the obligation and the desire of the City Council of the City of Pueblo to communicate its strong opposition to Amendment 21 to the public; and WHEREAS, the Colorado Fair Campaign Practices Act, at C.R.S. § 1-45 - 117(1)(b)(III)(A), authorizes the City's adoption of a resolution and the taking of a position of advocacy on any issue pending before the electorate; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PUEBLO, that: SECTION 1, The City Council, on behalf of its citizens, expresses its strong opposition to Amendment 21, otherwise known as Initiative #205 or Tax Cut 2000, and the City Council urges its citizens to register to vote and become thoroughly educated on the issues surrounding Amendment 21, the Tax Cut 2000. SECTION 2. This resolution shall become effective upon final passage. ATTEST: — cl� -' S �-, City Cl k INTRODUCED: September 11, 2000 By Al Gurule Councilperson APP VED: resident of the City Council 2