HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions 2005 (23) RESOLUTION CALLING UPON THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE TO
ACT IN RESPONSE TO COUNTY ADVISORY REFERENDUM CONCERNING
COURT AND HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICE COSTS TO TAXPAYER
RESOLUTION NO. � 3 C 00
ST. CROIX COUNTY, WISCONSIN
WHEREAS, Wisconsin counties are mandated by the state to administer the
circuit court system and human services; and
WHEREAS, both the circuit courts and human services are statewide programs
that were designed to be funded predominantly by state tax revenues; and
WHEREAS, over the course of the past several decades the state government has
allowed the cost increases for circuit courts and human services to fall almost solely on
the property tax; and
WHEREAS, counties in Wisconsin are putting forth 270 million property tax
dollars more than they were eighteen years ago to support individuals served through
Community Aids while the state is providing 28 million less in state tax dollars; and
WHEREAS, over two decades ago the Thompson Administration and the
Legislature began what was supposed to be a phased -in assumption of circuit court costs
by the state, while today over eighty million dollars remains on the property tax; and
WHEREAS, the Kettl Commission, much like previous commissions, concluded
very specifically and forcefully that "... Wisconsin ought to move, as soon as possible, to
state funding for these human services and state justice services programs) functions.
and
WHEREAS, on April 5, 2005 the voters of this state spoke with resounding
clarity when 85% voted in favor of full state funding for human services programs and
86% voted in favor of full state funding for circuit courts; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature and Governor are currently considering a "property
tax freeze" which would preempt counties from raising the revenue necessary to comply
with these mandated services and still provide quality of life services to our residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the St. Croix County Board of
Supervisors call upon the Governor and Legislature to take immediate action addressing
this clear will of the people.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the property taxpayers of this state have told our
state elected officials that they want the cost of the courts and human services off of the
property tax and deserve an answer on how the state plans to heed their wishes.
Offered by the Finance Committee on June 21, 2005.
NEGATIVE AFFIRMATIVE
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Reviewed by Corporation Counsel: 9 , C4 dim Date: ' i"5
This Resolution was duly adopted on JUAg- Z 9 2005.
Cindy C pbell, County Clerk