HomeMy WebLinkAboutWS Item 01 - Legislative AgendaW
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MEMO TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BRUNO RUMBELOW, CITY MANAGER 13R.,
MEETING DATE: DECEMBER 5, 2006
SUBJECT: LEGISLATIVE AGENDA WORKSHOP
BACKGROUND:
Dan Shelley will be in attendance to present our list of proposed legislative priorities for
the 80th Legislative Session. This formal process is especially helpful as staff meets with
State Legislators to discuss these items. The proposed priority list covers a variety of
issues, such as burglary of a motor vehicle, right-of-way management and sales tax
revenue protection. If the Council approves this list of legislative priorities, it will be placed
on the December 19th agenda so that the formal resolution can be circulated to Legislators
before the start of the session on January 9, 2007.
Sales Tax
Streamlined Sales Tax -Oppose
Proposed legislation that would change the sales tax situs from point of sale to point of
delivery would be extremely detrimental to our sales tax revenue stream. This issue
seems to have lost much of its steam in Texas because of problems in other states that
passed similar legislation. However, we will continue to monitor for proposed changes.
4B and 4A Statute Changes -Monitor
Since the voters passed the 4B and CCPD sales tax on November 7, we have a vested
interest in seeing that the legislation that created those optional sales taxes is changed in
a way that would negatively impact the projects proposed to be funded with that revenue.
Increase in Sales Tax Cap for Transit -Support
Support an increase to the State sales tax cap to allow for an election for a '/ cent tax to
fund regional rail.
Expansion of Non -Taxable Items -Monitor
We will monitor the Legislature's expansion of non-taxable items and oppose the
expansion if it would represent a severe, negative impact to City sales tax revenue.
Property Appraisal and Revenue Caps -Oppose
We will continue to oppose both of these items. The Governor has appointed a committee
to hold hearings statewide on property taxation and will report to the Governor prior to the
start of the session.
November 30, 2006 (9:55AM)
Unfunded Mandates -Oppose
We will oppose any efforts to pass along to cities additional fees or any increases in fees
to fund state budget shortfalls.
We would also oppose legislation that would create new obligations on cities to provide
services to their citizens without the necessary funding to carry out the provisions of the
legislation.
Burglary of a Motor Vehicle -Support Stronger Penalties
The City of Grapevine supports legislation that strengthens the penalties for burglary of a
motor vehicle.
DFW Airport -Monitor
The City of Grapevine continues to support the revenue sharing agreement between the
Cities of Grapevine, Dallas and Fort Worth enacted by the 77th Texas Legislature.
Ethics Legislation Clarification -Support
The City of Grapevine supports legislation clarifying House Bill 914 from the 79tH
Legislative Session. Specifically important is the value threshold that triggers the reporting
requirement.
Election Law -Monitor
Oppose any legislation that would further limit uniform election dates.
Parks Funding -Support
Advocate legislation that would increase funding for State Parks and the Texas Recreation
and Parks Account and insure that all grant applicants are selected based on competitive
grant scoring
Contingency Fee Contracts Legislation -Monitor
Support continued ability for City to pursue contingency fee contracts for attorneys (ie
back tax collection).
Right to Fund Lobbying -Support
Support continued ability to use local funds for State lobbying to insure that the interests of
Grapevine residents are known in Austin.
Medlin Bill -Support
Continue to advocate for Medlin Bill - first degree felony for intoxication manslaughter of a
police officer or firefighter while on duty.
Right of Way Legislation -Monitor
The City will oppose any legislation that erodes our ability to govern the right-of-way in our
City limits. In addition, we will oppose any further legislation that affects our ability to
collect fees for the use of the right away from utility companies.
JCH
November 30, 2006 (9:55AM)