RESOLUTION NO. 91-00

A RESOLUTION OPPOSING AMENDMENT #21, THE STATE WIDE BALLOT MEASURE TO REDUCE TAXES $25 PER YEAR PER ENTITY INDEFINITELY

WHEREAS: Amendment #21 is an attempt by the author to eliminate property taxes as a significant revenue source for school districts, local governments and other special districts; and

WHEREAS: This amendment would reduce direct property taxes for every jurisdiction for every parcel of property $25 the first year, $50 the second, $75 the third etc. indefinitely into the future; and

WHEREAS: The City of Grand Junction would lose approximately $1.9 million the first year and $3.9 million by the fourth year; and

WHEREAS: These significant revenue loses in just a few short years will force Grand Junction and all other local governments to reduce or eliminate services entirely; and

WHEREAS: In Mesa County alone most special districts have such a small mill levy to start with that their services would have to halt almost immediately. The Grand Junction Rural Fire District, which we serve, would lose 76% of its revenue in just four years.

WHEREAS: Unlike Tabor (Article X, Section 20), there is no legal option to opt out of this amendment and let local voters decide what is allowed.

WHEREAS: The State is not required to replace lost local revenues and we believe they will not have the resources to do so if they wished.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION, that:

a)  We oppose Amendment #21 as not being in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Grand Junction, Mesa County and the State of Colorado.

b)  We urge every voter to get out and vote in this important election and vote No on Amendment #21.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 20^th day of September, 2000.

ATTEST:            APPROVED:

/s/ Stephanie Nye          /s/ Gene Kinsey      

City Clerk            President of the Council