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A RESOLUTION STRONGLY URGING THE OHIO GOVERNOR AND MEMBERS OF THE OHIO GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO RESTORE THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUND TO PRE-RECESSION LEVELS
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WHEREAS, in 2011, the State of Ohio dramatically reduced local government funding, slashing the funding rate from 3.68% of the State of Ohio’s General Revenue Fund to 1.66%; and
WHEREAS, past Ohio General Assemblies have repeatedly decreased funding and revenue sharing in recent years in addition to significantly reducing the Local Government Fund, including eliminating the Estate Tax and phasing out the Tangible Personal Property Tax; and
WHEREAS, these reductions have resulted in a loss of revenue of $10.26 million from the Local Government Fund for the City of Gahanna, and it is projected that the City will forego an additional $6.9 million over the next five years at the current reduced rate; and
WHEREAS, this impactful revenue loss has made it increasingly difficult for local municipalities to provide basic services, rebuild infrastructure, and bolster public safety services, forcing communities to find new revenue streams or forego critical projects and services for their residents; and
WHEREAS, when Gahanna invests in community safety, builds sound infrastructure, and increases economic development, the entire State of Ohio benefits; and
WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of Ohio has celebrated the economic growth and vitality of the State, with Ohio tax revenue reaching pre-recession levels, but the Local Government Fund has not been restored; and
WHEREAS, a reinvestment in the Local Government Fund would aid the state in its goal of lowering taxes on the individual by enabling municipalities, including Gahanna, to decrease the local tax burden.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. The Ohio General Assembly should restore the Local Government Fund to pre-recession levels, ensuring that local communities are able to provide crucial services and improvements in infrastructure and public safety.
Section 2. This Council does hereby declare its opposition to any further cuts to the Local Government Fund and/or the future diversion of revenues from the Local Government Fund.
Section 3. That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect at the earliest period allowed by law.