HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-06-24 02-264 RESOLVEDate: b24-02
Item/Subject: Resolve, Recognizing the Contributions of the Taxpayers of the City of Bangor
Responsible Department: City Council
Commentary:
The attached resolve has been requested by Councilor Nealey. In general, t recognizes that the
taxpayers of the 6ty of Bangor take on an additional burden through the property taxes that they
pay which, In part, support services and programs which serve a regional population by virtue of
Bangor's role as the primary service center to Nord Fastem, and portions of Central Maine.
In addition, the resolve sets out a statement of philosophy to be adopted by the Council regarding
spending and taxation issues which includes controlling costs through working with others in the
region to cooperatively provide services; to dosely analyze all requests for Qty financial support; to
work brward property tax reform and relief; and to connote m closely evaluate municipal spending
an an annual basis.
ueyamn
Managees Comments:
This resolve has been reviewed and is recommended by the Strategic Issues Committee.
4N Manager
Asaodatetl Information: Resolve
Finance Director
Legal Approval:
O of for
Introduced for
x Passage
_ First Reading Page_ of
Werral
02-264
"aPrr Nsixaed to Coweilar Aealley Saae 24, 2002
CITY OF BANGOR
(rBLE.) Resolve, Recognizing the Contributions of the Taxpayers of the City of Bangor
Whereas, the taxpayers of Bangor have financially supported essential municipal services both for Me
benefit of its citizens and ro the benefit of the region It serves; and
Whereas, while Bangor has experienced a decline in population from approximately 38,000 people in
1980 W approximately 32,000 today, its Importance as a regional service center has
expanded signWomy in such areas as retail sales, and medical, profe nal and social
services, which are used by Individuals throughout our region while requiring municipal
services and expenses underwimb n largely by Bangor taxpayers; and
Whereas, the taxpayers of Bangor have financially supported many non-profit organizations and other
amenities in the city that benefit the region while not contributing W the tax base; and
Whereas, the taxpayers of Bangor make the largest contribution to Me Penobscot County government
of all the towns in the County; and
Whereas, the taxpayers of Bangor recognize that the poverty rate of Penobscot County is 13.5%,
Plscaliquls has a poverty rate of 14.8%, Aroostook County is at 14.5%, and that the poverty
rate of Washington County Is 19%, leaving Bangor as the primary service center W one of
the most impoverished regions on the east -wast of the United States; and
Whereas, the taxpayers of Bangor are also living in a State that has one of the highest tax burders in
the country; and
Whereas, the taxpayers of Bangor realize the city should lead Me way to work with the region to
provide important amenities and services.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CR COUNCIL OF THE CR OF BANGOR, THAT.
We hereby recognize the contributions of the taxpayers of Bangor in supporong local and regional
services which are essential W maintaining the quality of life and economic viabilay of our region.
FUnm&-, we pledge our best efforts to work W control the costs home by Bangars taxpayers by
working whin others In our region to share the costs of programs and services that can be provided on
a coopeative basis; to doedy analyze all requests for City financial support to Insure that the benefits
W our community are commensurate with such costa; to work diligently toward reforming the system
though which government in Maine is financed, with special emphasis on reducing the ezcesive
burden placed on the property tax; and W closely evaluate annual municipal spending to insure that
the demands placed upon our taxpayers are reasonable and necessary for the health and welfare of
Bangor.
Ie CITY COYPCIL
June 26, 2002
Motion bade and Seconded
for Passage
Passed
t7CIKRA
02-266
RESOLVE
Tltte, Recognizing the Coutiibuffons
of the Taxpayers of the City of
Cougar
Assigned to
N+,d Councilor
(Ti gal '"