HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 631 Unfunded State Mandates
RESOLUTION NO. 631
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA, URGING
FLORIDA CITIZENS TO SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT #3
ON THE NOVEMBER 1990 BALLOT LIMITING UNFUNDED STATE MANDATES
ON CITIES AND COUNTIES.
WHEREAS, since 1981, the Florida Legislature has placed 288 unfunded
mandates upon cities and counties in Florida with over 86 percent having an un-
determined fiscal impact on cities and counties; and
WHEREAS, "unfunded mandates" are governmental actions required to
cities and counties by State law without adequate funding resources; and
WHEREAS, cities and counties are continuously forced to adjust loca1
service priorities and raise local taxes and user fees to pay for such unfunded
State-mandated programs; and
WHEREAS, cities and counties are forced to pass these increased
costs for delivery of State-mandated programs to the citizens; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Constitution reempts all taxing sources to the
State (except ad valorem property taxes), and it becomes irresponsible for State
government to require and mandate programs to other governments without sharing
the fiscal responsibility and political consequences of their actions; and
WHEREAS, there can be no certainty and predictability in the growth
planning process if the State can continue to mandate new and expensive programs
without regard to adequate funding; and
WHEREAS, the priorities and programs of local citizens and counties
have often been curtailed when limited local funds have to be diverted to pay
for a State-mandated program; and
WHEREAS, the State Constitution "preempts" all taxing powers to the
State (other than local property taxes) and the State has been unwil1ing to a110w
sufficient local discretionary taxing powers directly to municipalities and has
refused to adjust unfair and antiquated formula allocations of revenue-sharing
programs; and
WHEREAS, unfunded mandates are not fair to the local property owner
or the locally elected official who is trying to address local priorities and
problems with a limited amount of financial resources; and
WHEREAS, during the 1988 Legislative Session nearly 100 members of
the Legislature cosigned or supported a proposed constitutional amendment to
limit the Legislature's ability to mandate programs and costs to city and county
governments; and
WHEREAS, during the 1989 Legislative Session a proposed amendment to
the Constitution was passed to give Florida citizens an opportunity to vote in
1990 on a proposal that would limit unfunded State legislative mandates on cities
and counties.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I - That the City of Winter Springs, Florida, calls upon all
citizens of Seminole County, Florida, to become aware of the seriousness of un-
funded mandates and to be prepared to support the amendment to the Florida State
Constitution on the matter that will appear on the ballot in the November 1990
election.
SECTION II - That a copy of this Resolution be sent to every city
council/commission and County Commission in Seminole County, Florida, and each
body is requested to adopt similar resolutions and positions so their views may
be available to every citizen in Florida.
Passed and adopted this 22nd of January, 1990.
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
LEANNE M. GROVE, MAYOR
ATTEST:
Mary T. Norton
CITY CLERK