Resolution No. 86-24 CITY OF TIGARD, OREGON
RESOLUTION No, 86-24
A RESOLUTION OF THE TIGARD CITY COUNCIL REGARDING THE PROPOSED COUNTY LAW
ENFORCEMENT LEVY,
WHEREAS, the Washington County Sheriff's deputies have proposed a $67 million
property tax initiative for Washington County over three years, to finance
services by the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Juvenile Department,
Corrections Department and District Attorney's office, for the March 25, 1986
election; and
WHEREAS, the proposed County-wide levy applies to all. taxable property,
incorporated and unincorporated, but the services, particularly, Sheriff's
patrol, are not equally benefiting County-wide, and are particularly
inequitable to City taxpayers; and
WHEREAS, the proposed County-wide levy will not significantly increase service
to City taxpayers but will cost them the same increased County-wide tax, and
will not increase any patrol or emergency services to City residents or
taxpayers; and
WHEREAS, the proposed County-wi.de levy has no tax equilizati.on or shareback to
City taxpayers for their contributions to these County services not provided
to them by the County; and
WHEREAS, the proposed County-wide levy significantly increased County taxes
but will not guarantee any reduction in other existing County taxes nor offset
any City costs; and
WHEREAS, County taxpayers will be uniformly taxed but unequally and
inequitably served; and
WHEREAS, the proposed levy of $67 million over three years, or up to $22.3
million per year, for law enforcement only is more thAn the last County tax
base proposal of $1.8 million for all County programs, including street
programs, which was rejected by County voters; and
WHEREAS, the proposed County-wide levy would add over $2.48/thousand in County
taxes, and cost the average homeowner $160 more per year, which is more for
just the County law enforcement levy than the total cost to a Tigard homeowner
for full City services; and
WHEREAS, the proposed County-wide levy would extract over $2.48 million from
Tigard taxpayers and provide no significant service improvements; and
WHEREAS, the County ought to focus on basic County services for County-wide
taxes, and local levies or cities for local services; and
WHEREAS, cities are the more appropriate providers of local urban services; and
RESOLUTION NO, 86-24
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WHEREAS, the special interes of the Sheriff Deputy's union in sponsoring this
levy does not meet the grin .ples of tax fairness and logical urban services
" provision; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to work cooperatively with Washington County on
regional problems, funding truly County—wide programs, and in the equitable
delivery of essential urban services, but the City Council is compelled by the
gross inequity of this tax levy proposal, to urge both City and unincorporated
residents alike, to object to the measure.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Tigard City Council that:
Section 1; The City of Tigard opposes the proposed Washington County law
enforcement tax levy.
Section 2: The City of Tigard finds the measure to be inequitable to City
residents and taxpayers as well as other County residents and taxpayers.
Section 3: The City of Tigard finds the measure to be too expensive,
excessive, and benefiting a special group of employees while providing limited
service to City citizens.
Section A: The City of Tigard urges City voters and County unincorporated
vot:ars alike to vote NO and reject the measure.
Section 5: The City of Tigard seeks to work with the elected Board of County
Commissioners to develop a fair and affordable solution to the provision of
essential urban service, for our County, cities, and all our citizens.
PASSED: This /�7 day of s r" 1985.
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City ty
�afjor — of Tigard
ATTEST:
f j{
eputy City Recorder- City of Tigard
lwl37o6A
RESOLUTION NO. 85-24
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