HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2006-044
RESOLUTION NO. 2006-44
BEING A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
FOR MOTOR VEHICLE SALES TAX DEDICATION TO TRANSPORTATION
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights is the official governing body of
the City of Columbia Heights; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota's transportation infrastructure forms the backbone of the State's
economy and has a direct impact on future economic development; and
WHEREAS, funding for highway and transit systems in Milmesota has remained stagnant and is
failing to keep pace with its growing population and growing demands; and
WHEREAS, local governments throughout the State struggle to maintain local transpOliation
systems while the State's gas tax has not been increased since 1988 and transit budgets have been
cut in recent years; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Legislature has repeatedly turned to revenue from the motor vehicle
sales tax, which has been viewed as user fee revenues, in order to fund highway and transit
systems including the current dedication of 54% of motor vehicle sales tax for transportation
purposes; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature passed a proposed constitutional amendment during the 2005
Legislative Session that would appear on the November 7,2006 ballot asking voters if the
remaining 46% of motor vehicle sales tax revenue currently used for other purposes should be
used for highways and transit systems; and
WHEREAS, passage of this amendment would mean an increase in more stable revenue for
highway and transit systems tlu'oughout the State and would raise approximately $300 million
per year once the transfer of revenue is fully phased in by 2011.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Columbia Heights strongly supports
passage of the proposed amendment to the Milmesota Constitution dedicating all of the motor
vehicle sales tax revenue to transportation with at least 40% of the revenue for public transit
assistance and not more than 60% of the revenue for highway purposes.
Dated this 13th day of March 2006.
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Dielm1
Kelzenberg
Ayes: Peterson, Williams, Diehm, Kelzenberg
Absent: Nawrocki
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("'Patricia Muscovitz, CMC (J
Deputy City Clerk/Council Secretary
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