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
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