Sponsor
Aldermen Weidner, Anderson, DeHahn, Fair, Friedel, Hart, Helding, Hermes, Kaplan, Karas, Maack, Shakoor, Sollman, Spangenberg and Wisneski
Title
Advisory resolution on municipal finance
Whereas, the taxpayers of Racine elected the members of the Racine Common Council to represent them and make decisions concerning City spending and services provided; and
Whereas, the State of Wisconsin has placed municipalities in a precarious situation by imposing expenditure restraints, levy limits and freezing or reducing shared revenues since 1995; and
Whereas, the State and Federal governments are relying on local governments to provide emergency services in case of an attack in the United States or other disasters; and
Whereas, Wisconsin cities have been forced by State funding withdrawals and escalating costs of operations including fuel costs and health insurance costs to cut emergency services including police and fire; and
Whereas, we believe that we can make the best decisions at the local municipal level regarding municipal spending and services; and
Whereas, State mandated levy limits and expenditure restraints tie the hands of local municipalities who not only cannot maintain local services but are forced to make cuts that can potentially place firefighters, police officers, and other public servants in harms way and put the public at added risk.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Common Council of the City of Racine rejects any State program that undermines our local decision making, including our ability to determine spending and service level appropriate for the taxpayers of Racine.
Further resolved, that if the State of Wisconsin continues any expenditure restraint program and levy limit programs, the State must provide exemptions to these programs for cities to maintain essential police, fire, and ambulance services or provide alternative ways to finance these essential services.
Further resolved, that the City Clerk be authorized and directed to send a certified copy of this resolution to State legislators who represent the City of Racine, the leadership of the Majority and Minority Parties of the State of Wisconsin Legislature, the Governor of the State of Wisconsin, the Congressmen and Senators who represent the City of Racine, and the President of the United States.
Fiscal Note: N/A