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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 02_Adoption of HB 2054_2010.03.16 CITY OF OWASSO, OKLAHOMA RESOLUTION NO. 2010-02 A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE ADOPTION OF HOUSE BILL 3054 BY THE OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE AS A VITAL INSTRUMENT IN PROVIDING THE CITY OF OWASSO AND OTHER OKLAHOMA MUNICIPALITIES WITH INFORMATION VITAL TO PUBLIC SERVICES THAT PRESERVE THE COMMUNITY'S SAFETY, WELFARE AND QUALITY OF LIFE. WHEREAS, cities and towns are the economic engine of Oklahoma where most Oklahomans shop, work, and live; WHEREAS, Oklahoma cannot have a healthy economy without having healthy cities and towns; WHEREAS, the City of Owasso, and other municipalities in Oklahoma, continue to face challenges in funding services due to "unfunded mandates" passed by the state; WHEREAS, the impleinentation of such unfunded mandates leaves municipalities with little time to budget and fund associated expenses - often resulting in tax and fee increases, or reductions in essential governmental services that provide for the community's fundamental safety and quality of life; WHEREAS, adoption of House Bill 3054, the "Municipal Fiscal Impact Act," by the Oklahoma Legislature would improve the legislature's and the public's understanding of the impact of state legislation on Oklahoma municipalities by requiring a fiscal impact statement for any legislation having a direct adverse impact on municipalities and that legislation with an adverse impact over $100,000 be considered in the next legislative session; and WHEREAS, House Bill 3054 would allow municipalities to properly plan and budget for the services resulting from such legislation by delaying by a year legislative consideration for legislation mandating a service or regulation found to have a$100,000 or greater impact on municipal budgets; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OWASSO, OKLAHOMA by the City Council of the City of Owasso, Oklahoma, that the City Council supports adoption of House Bill 3054 by the Oklahoma Legislature as a vital instruinent in providing Owasso and other Oklahoma mtinicipalities with information vital to assuring the pliblic services that preserve the community's safety, welfare and quality of life. PASSED AND APPROVED this 16'h day of March 2010 by the City Council of the City of Owasso, Oklahoma. Steph e Cataudella, Mayor C-~-' AttestSherry Bishop, y Clerk Approved As To Form: Q~ 7r Lawâ–ºLaACA: Jul'e T. Lombardi, City Attorney MEMORANDUM APPROVEDDYQpUNM TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MAR 16 2010 CITY OF OWASSO FROM: DAN YANCEY CHIEF OF POLICE SUBJECT: MUNICIPAL IMPACT RESOLUTION SUPPORTING HB 3054 DATE: March 12, 2010 BACKGROUND: With most Oklahoma cities and towns struggling to tighten their belts in the face of a tough economy, unfunded mandates resulting from newly enacted state legislation can severely impact municipal budgets. Numerous cities and towns throughout Oklahoma, along with a number of Chambers of Commerce, are supporting legislation introduced by Speaker of the House Chris Benge, R-Sand Springs, which would require "Fiscal Impact Statements" on legislation that has a direct adverse fiscal impact on municipal finances. Additionally, any measure with an adverse impact on municipalities over $100,000 would not be considered for adoption until the following legislative session. The bill recognizes that unfunded mandates on Oklahoma municipalities can adversely affect services to citizens and businesses. It also provides more information to lawmakers allowing them to better understand the impact of bills on their constituents. The measure provides time for municipalities to explore with lawmakers alternative legislation that can accomplish the same tasks with minimal or no fiscal impact. It also reduces the potential for unintended consequences by encouraging better cooperation and understanding of such legislation. Cities and towns are Oklahoma's economic engine with over 90 percent of sales tax revenue received by the state being generated by municipalities. Cities and towns need the ability to provide critical safety and quality of life services that are integal to the well-being of schools, businesses, and virtually all other institutions. The Municipal Fiscal Impact Act is one of the first steps toward "Healthy Cities in Oklahoma," and would improve the long-term financial health of municipalities, and in turn, the state economy. Thoroughly evaluating the need for unfunded mandates will create a more stable financial environment and allow both levels of government to soundly enact legislation without adversely affecting either. The measure is a top priority of diverse groups such as the Coalition of Tulsa Area Governments, Oklahoma Municipal League, and the Tulsa Metro Chamber, which include 34 different chambers and cities that have embraced the measure in their 2010 "One Voice" agenda. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends City Council adoption of Resolution 2010-02 in support of House Bill 3054, the "MLinicipal Fiscal Impact Act."