HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 1430 - Oppose Initiative 695 Voter Approval on Tax Increases '4ILA,
f
1908
C ity of
Washington
Resolution No.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, TAKING A POSITION
OF OPPOSITION TO INITIATIVE 695.
WHEREAS, on November 2, 1999 the citizens of the State of Washington will vote
on Initiative 695, a measure requiring voter approval of any tax increase, setting vehicle
license tab fees at $30.00 per year, and repealing the motor vehicle excise tax; and
WHEREAS, Initiative 695 broadly defines a tax increase as any charge levied by
state or local government, and its ambiguous language could result in further cuts to
budgets beyond its immediate effects; and
WHEREAS, it is the role of the publicly elected City Council in a representative
democracy to make decisions regarding appropriate fees for programs and services in
the City; and
WHEREAS, Tukwila will lose at least $240,000 directly in 2000 due to the
elimination of the MVET, and will lose approximately $1.6 million over the Six Year
C.I.P.; and
WHEREAS, King County estimates it would lose $122 million in Fiscal Year 2001
for Metro services, public health services, and criminal justice services, all of which
benefit Tukwila residents and businesses; and
WHEREAS, I -695 would significantly reduce funding for transportation
improvements such as through the elimination of the highway improvements which
would have been funded under R -49 including the 180th Street underpass; and
WHEREAS, one of the provisions of I -695 is that the requirement for voter
approval of future tax increases includes approving any monetary increase in any
existing tax; and
WHEREAS, all proposed fee increases for items as diverse as photocopying,
entertainer's licenses, and land altering fees will be subject to voter approval, with each
election costing between $4,000 and $15,000 to hold; and
WHEREAS, ambiguous language in I -695 could prevent Tukwila from collecting
sales or property taxes that are above the lowest levels they ever fall to in any future
years, regardless of how strongly the economy may recover after a downturn; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has carefully considered the implications and known
impacts of 1 -695 and believes the initiative to be contrary to the best interests of the City
of Tukwila and the services and programs provided to its residents and business
community; and
WHEREAS, the City has given due public notice regarding consideration of a
position on the initiative including the number and title of the proposition, and has
allowed equal time for expression of opposing views;
OPPOSE 1 -695 10/14/99
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA,
WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
The City Council of the City of Tukwila takes an official position in opposition to
I -695, Tax Limitation and Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Initiative.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCI7C F THE CIT 4 OF TUKWILA\, WASHINGTON,
at a Regular Meeting thereof this IS day of d� %P 1999.
Z
Dave Fenton, Council President
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED:
0 ,14'ust_
e E. Cantu, CMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By:
Office of the City rney
Filed with the City Clerk: /D
Passed by the City Co un c
Resolution Number
OPPOSE 1 -695 10/14/99