HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-06-10 13-207 RESOLVEAssigned to Councilor Sprague
CITY OF BANGOR
13-207
JUNE 10, 2013
(TITLE.) Resolve, Establishing the Position of the City of Bangor in Opposition to the Proposed Reduction in
Revenue Sharing to the City of Bangor.
WHEREAS, Revenue Sharing represents a longstanding partnership between the City of Bangor and the State of
Maine which recognizes the unique service demands placed upon the Maine Service Center Municipalities; and
WHEREAS, nearly one-third of the properties in Bangor are property tax exempt; one-third are residential
properties; and one-third are commercial and industrial properties; and
WHEREAS, those properties that are property tax exempt, including State agencies, utilize significant municipal
services; and
WHEREAS, commercial shopping areas also require significant municipal services to maintain the vitality which
brings significant value to the State; and
WHEREAS, in 2011, businesses in the City of. Bangor had approximately $1.2 billion in gross sales which generated
$60 million in sales tax revenue to the State; and
WHEREAS, under current State law, the City of Bangor would receive over $5 million in Revenue Sharing from the
State; and
WHEREAS, Revenue Sharing is used specifically to offset the cost of supporting the non-profit sectors as well as
necessary services to the commercial areas of Bangor that provide important revenue to the State;
WHEREAS, the proposed State reductions in Revenue Sharing will result in significant service reductions in the City
of Bangor or add more than $1.1 million to the City's property taxes; and
WHEREAS, if the City of Bangor is to maintain existing levels of service, the proposed reduction in Revenue Sharing
will require an increase of more than 40 cents on the City's mil rate;
B Y THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BANGOR:
BE IT RESOLVED,
That, the City of Bangor City strongly opposes the proposed reduction of Revenue Sharing as a means of balancing
the State Budget and asks that the State of Maine honor its partnership with Bangor and all municipalities that
provide valuable and necessary services to all Maine Residents
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,
That a copy of this Resolve shall be sent to all members of the Bangor Legislative Delegation, members of the
Appropriations Committee and the Governor.
IN CITY COUNCIL
June 10, 2013
Motion made and seconded for Passage
Passed _
ITY CL