HomeMy WebLinkAbout6746_CCv0001.pdf RESOLUTION NO. 6746
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCII. OF THE CITY OF REDLANDS
OPPOSING FISCALLY IRRESPONSIBLE STATE BUDGET DECISIONS THAT
WOULD "BORROW" LOCAL GOVERNMENT, REDEVELOPMENT AND
TRANSPORTATION FUNDS
WHEREAS, on July 1, 2008 the State Legislature missed its Constitutional budget
deadline; and
WHEREAS, both the Governor and the Legislative Budget Conference Committee have
recommended balanced budgets without resorting to "loans" or seizures of local government
property tax, redevelopment tax increment and transportation sales tax funds; and
WHEREAS, in 1952 the voters of California approved n 1952 the voters approved
Article XVI, Section 16 of the California Constitution, providing for tax increment financing for
community revitalization---not balancing the state budget, and the voters never authorized the
legislature to take or"borrow" community redevelopment funds for state programs; and
WHEREAS, in 2004 by an 84% margin of approval the voters of California approved
Proposition IA and sent a loud and unambiguous message to state leaders that they should stop
the destructive and irresponsible practice of taking local government funds to finance the state
budget and paper over the state deficit; and
WHEREAS, in 2006 by a 77% margin of approval the voters of California also approved
Proposition 1 A, providing similar protections to transportation funding for state and local
transportation projects, including important street maintenance and public transit programs; and
WHEREAS, both.ballot measures allow the Governor to declare a"severe state of fiscal
hardship" and "borrow"these funds if they are repaid in three years with interest, but the
Governor believes it would be irresponsible to "borrow" such funds because it would deepen the
state's structural deficit and cripple local government and transportation services; and
WHEREAS, refusal by the Legislature to carryout its constitutional obligation to
compromise on a balanced budget is not a "severe state of fiscal hardship" and would not justify
reductions in critical local services, community revitalization programs and infrastructure
maintenance at a time when cities are struggling to balance their own budgets during this
economic down turn; and
WHEREAS, City investments in infrastructure, affordable housing and basic public
safety and other community services will create needed jobs and speed our economic recovery;
and
L•lcclerklResolutions16746.doe
WHEREAS, the Legislature should balance the state budget with state revenues and
respect the overwhelming support of voters for not using local property taxes, redevelopment tax
increment and transportation sales tax funds to fund the day-to-day operating cost of state
programs; and
WHEREAS, it would be the height of fiscal irresponsibility to paper over the state
structural deficit with more borrowing, and Californians deserve state leaders who will tell them
honestly what needs to be done to produce a balanced budget; and
WHEREAS, it is time for the state of California to cut up its local government credit
cards and deal with the budget deficit in a straightforward way. Balance the state budget with
state funds.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE 1T RESOLVED, that the City of Redlands hereby opposes any
and all efforts by state government to "borrow" or seize local tax funds, redevelopment tax
increment and transportation sales tax fiends by the state government to finance state operations.
Such a move would be fiscally irresponsible for the state and hamper effective local services and
infrastructure investments.
NOW, THEREFORE BE 1T RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of
Redlands, that the City of Redlands is hereby directed to send this resolution and communicate
this Council's strong and unswerving opposition on this matter to our Legislators and the
Governor along with an expression of our continued appreciation for the Governor's and any
supportive legislators' steadfast opposition to further borrowing or seizure of these funds.
ADOPTED, SIGNED AND APPROVED this 5'" day of August, 2008.
l Harrison; ayor
ATTEST:
Cit Clerk, C� y f edlands
1, Lorne Poyzer, City Clerk of the City of Redlands, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution
was duly adopted by the City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on the 5" day of August,
2008 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gilbreath, Gallagher, Aguilar, Bean, Mayor Harrison
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None P -
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Cary C rk, City Iands
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