Fiscal Note
No appropriation required.
Title
Urging passage of the Wisconsin State Senate version of the State Biennial Budget.
Body
WHEREAS, Wisconsin cannot thrive socially or economically without strong, healthy local communities; and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin communities have endured decreasing or essentially stagnant State government sources of funding; and
WHEREAS, as a result of the aforementioned erosion of funding by the State of Wisconsin, property taxpayers continue to shoulder a greater proportion of municipal budgets; and
WHEREAS, despite declining State support, the City of Madison has adopted responsible budgets that enable the delivery of the services that our residents expect and demand; and
WHEREAS, the City of Madison has observed and practiced responsible fiscal management, making State-imposed levy limits unnecessary; and
WHEREAS, despite the lack of need of a levy limit, the levy limit language contained in the Wisconsin State Senate's version of 2007 Senate Bill 40 (herinafter the "State Biennial Budget") is in harmony with the City of Madison's responsible budget practices; and
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin State Assembly version of the State Biennial Budget contains levy limit language and an unprecendented, Madison-specific cut to the Payment for Municipal Services program that would force the City of Madison to reduce spending by $15 million, jeopardizing the City's ability to keep our neighborhoods safe and strong;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of Madison urges that the final version of the State Biennial Budget include language pertaining to the Payment for Municipal Services and the levy limits contained in the Wisconsin State Senate's version of that bill.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Madison Clerk be, and is hereby, instructed to certify to the Governor, Wisconsin State Senate Majority Leader, and the Wisconsin State Assembly Speaker a copy of this resolution and its adoption by the Common Council of the City of Madison.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be delivered to the members of the Madison legislative delegation.