Number
051299
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. DONOVAN
Title
Resolution directing the Election Commission of the City of Milwaukee to provide, on the spring general election ballot, April 4, 2006, an advisory referendum seeking approval to seek introduction and passage of state legislation enabling cities of the first class to enact forms of alternative funding for the purpose of financing public safety services and essential infrastructure projects.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Election Commission of the City of Milwaukee to provide, on the spring general election ballot, April 4, 2006, an advisory referendum seeking introduction and passage of state legislation enabling cities of the first class to enact forms of alternative funding for the purpose of financing public safety services and essential infrastructure projects.
Body
Whereas, Public safety in the city of Milwaukee is among the highest priorities for maintaining tranquility, security and a positive quality of life for the citizens; and
Whereas, An adequate number of police officers is essential for assuring that the City meet its public safety requirements; and
Whereas, The decrease in inflation-adjusted state shared revenue to the city of Milwaukee in recent years, as well as limits imposed upon the city by the state relating to increases in the property tax levy, have created challenges in providing and funding public safety services at levels desired by the citizens of Milwaukee, and
Whereas, The current property tax burden is an impediment to creating a competitive environment, especially in relationship to other cities with whom the city of Milwaukee vies for business and economic development; and
Whereas, Infrastructure throughout the city is essential and the repair and renewal of the city’s infrastructure requires continuous funding; and
Whereas, The same limitations upon the property tax levy have impacted and challenged the City’s ability to provide the level of infrastructure renewal and repair at levels desired by the citizens of Milwaukee; and
Whereas, Several cities throughout the United States have investigated and created new revenue streams for the express purpose of funding police services and infrastructure projects; and
Whereas, Alternative funding streams would provide increased and diversified revenue for the City of Milwaukee for the express purpose of funding for an increased number of police officers and continuing infrastructure projects; and
Whereas, An advisory referendum for the citizens of the city of Milwaukee would provide an important measure of support to the enactment of alternative revenue streams for public safety services and infrastructure projects; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Election Commission of the City of Milwaukee is directed to provide, on the spring general election ballot, April 4, 2006, an advisory referendum seeking approval for the investigation and enactment alternative streams of revenue for the purpose of funding public safety services and infrastructure projects; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the following referendum question shall be submitted to a vote of the electors at this election:
“Do you agree that the City of Milwaukee cannot allow any further reduction in basic city services such as police and fire protection, and street paving and maintenance, and that the city leadership should find new ways to pay for these to offset property taxes?”.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB 06006-1
mar
01/06/2006