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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 125-91 ABAG Fiscal IndepenRESOLUTION NO. 125 - 91 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN SUPPORTING A DECLARATION OF FISCAL INTERDEPENDENCY AND STATEMENT OF GUIDING PRINCIPLES WHEREAS, the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) called together representatives of cities, counties and school districts as well as representatives of the County Supervisors Association, the California School Boards Association and the League of California Cities to develop a unified position on the fiscal interdependence of local governments; and WHEREAS, the Interagency Fiscal Interdependence and Reform Committee worked to develop the Declaration of Fiscal Interdependency and Statement of Guiding Principles by cities, counties and school districts; and WHEREAS, the Declaration recognizes the fiscal and organizational interrelationships of cities, counties and school districts, and sets forth broad principles and guidelines through which restructuring and reform of fiscal relationships between governmental organizations can begin; and WHEREAS, ABAG is asking cities, counties and school districts to endorse and support the Declaration and Statement of Principles. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Dublin does hereby support the Declaration of Fiscal Interdependency and the Statement of Guiding Principles. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 25th day of November, 1991. AYES: Councilmembers Howard, Jeffery, Moffatt, and Mayor Snyder NOES: ABSENT: Councilmember Burton~~ None a:reso125.agenda#6 DEC~{ATION OF FISCAL INTERDEPEh~ENCY BY THE CITIES, COUNTIES AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS OF THE BAY AREA We recognize the fiscal interdependence of all levels of governmental, federal, state, and local, including cities, counties and school districts. We recognize that interdependency at the local level is frustrated by fiscal policies and problems, as well as Constitutional and legislative obstacles at the federal and state level. We recognize that the State and all local governments--cities, counties and school districts--continue to experience growing financial difficulties magnified by increasing needs and demands for service and enormous demographic changes. We, therefore, submit that cities, counties and school districts are interdependent because: · We frequently serve the same people, often at the same time; We share many of the same revenue sources such as property tax, sales tax and other state controlled revenues; when one jurisdiction gains, another frequently loses; We have the same constituency; 100 percent of the people live in a county and a school district, and the vast majority also live in a city; We provide many services in common that might be more effectively performed by working cooperatively: purchasing, building maintenance, legal advice, public information, disaster and emergency planning, recreation programs and facilities, youth and senior citizens' services, building inspection, law enforcement, signal maintenance, personnel, payroll, labor relations, employee benefits, training and staff development, data processing, communications, energy conservation, leasing of buildings or property, vehicle maintenance and corporation yards; · We often make decisions that impact each other; We recognize that the financial viability of one agency can impact the economic health of other jurisdictions; Each city, county and school district needs to be concerned with, and aware of, problems of other jurisdictions. Therefore, we declare that in order to maximize productive and efficient working relationships that will enable all agencies to more effectively serve the public, the following actions are necessary and we commit ourselves to their implementation: STRENGTHEN COMMUNICATION AND COOPERATION AMONG PUBLIC AGENCIES SEEK "WIN/WIN" SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS SPONSOR AND SUPPORT MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL LEGISLATION IDENTIFY POSITIVE PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS THAT CAN BE DEVELOPED JOINTLY SEEK NEW, BETTER, MORE PRODUCTIVE AND DIFFERENT WAYS OF WORKING TOGETHER JOINTLY ADVOCATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF STABLE AND ADEQUATE REVENUE SOURCES FOR CITIES, COUNTIES, AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS In support of this declaration we commit ourselves to work jointly and cooperatively together to accomplish these proposals and goals, as well as to promote reform that is supportive of fiscal interdependency. Mayor, City of Dublin STATEF~T OF GUIDING PRINCIPLES FC ~'REFORM ~T THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVE~ As cities, counties and school districts, we dedicate ourselves to making the most efficient use of the tax dollars currently available. This may suggest more sharing of services between local agencies and a more efficient use of resources. Cities, counties, and school districts reject the use of revenue systems that are divisive, and shift revenues from one jurisdiction to another. State mandated programs must either be fully funded by the Legislature or made optional at the local level. Cities, counties, and school districts support the creation of a Constitutional Revision Commission to enable constitutional changes to restructure the State budget process and, as a result, reduce restrictions on local government revenues and budgets. The State should not assume all responsibility for increasing tax revenue. Local governments--cities, counties, and school districts-- need locally controlled sources of revenue for which locally elected officials can be responsible to their constituents. If local officials are unable or unwilling to increase these local sources of revenue, then programs should be reduced to balance local government budgets. The Legislature should take whatever steps are necessary, whether statutory or Constitutional amendments, to eliminate the requirement of a 2/3 majority vote to approve local tax and financing proposals. The State budget should include a funded incentive program that makes additional funds available as incentive allocations to reward of fund cooperative local government--cities, counties, and school districts-- effort and fiscal efficiencies. State and local revenues should represent a combination of sources and expansion of the tax base to avoid reliance on any single revenue source which would have an adverse effect on the State or local economy. To implement the guidelines in the Declaration of Fiscal Interdependency, cities, counties, and school districts pledge to: Develop improved working relationships among affected jurisdictions through increase communication. Demonstrate respect for each other publicly, and work toward resolution rather than resorting to litigation and public criticism. Develop facilities, services and programs in collaboration. Support and sponsor legislation that will enable all affected jurisdictions to better meet the needs of all citizens. Oppose legislation that is detrimental to other jurisdictions. Expand our point-of-view to include the larger community, beyond our individual jurisdictions, and be open to new methods of service delivery. Develop alternatives for stable, adequate revenue sources to fund necessary and desired services.