HomeMy WebLinkAbout2517 Resolution RESOLUTION NO. 2517
A RESOLUTION RELATING TO MUNICIPAL BIENNIAL BUDGETS.
WHEREAS, RCW 35A.34 provides that code cities may adopt a two-year fiscal
biennium budget but restricts such bienniums so as to commence only on January 1 of odd-
numbered years; and
WHEREAS, many school districts, which depend on two-year local property tax
levies for their operation and maintenance (O&M) budgets, have established a long-
standing practice of presenting their O&M levy propositions in the spring of even-
numbered years; and
WHEREAS, a biennial municipal budget would require presentation of a municipal
tax proposal in the spring of even-numbered years, thus presenting in many communities
an undesirable and potentially conflicting choice to local voters and thereby jeopardizing
both propositions; and
WHEREAS, the constraint of RCW 35A.34 that any municipal biennial budget
commence in an odd-numbered year effectively precludes any municipality from using the
biennial budget option if the respective school district has already established a two-year
O&M levy cycle in the spring of every even-numbered year; and
WHEREAS, the growing trend to submit local tax increases first to the voter argues
for more biennial budgets so as to minimize the number and expense of local elections
necessary to determine municipal revenue authority;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASCO,
WASHINGTON, DO RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That the Washington State Legislature be and is hereby urged to amend
RCW 35A.34 so as to permit municipal biennial budgets to commence on July 1 of any
calendar year.
Section 2. That the Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized and directed to
contact and work with all appropriate organizations (other code cities, school districts,
AWC, WEA, etc.) to advance the objective of this resolution.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco at a regular meeting this 3" day of
Ap '12000
ichael L. Garrison, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Catherine D. Seaman, Deputy City Clerk Leland B. Ye7r, City Attorney