RESOLUTION NO. 2005-____

A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF REPEALING THE BAN ON REAL ESTATE TRANSFER TAXES

Recitals:

A.	Any state legislation that infringes upon Oregon cities' constitutional right of self- determination must be carefully evaluated and specifically tailored to limit it to subjects of truly statewide concern.
B.	Preemption by the state legislature of matters involving local concern in order to favor special interests should never be utilized especially when such action interferes with the local needs of citizens.
C.	The statewide prohibition on real estate transfer taxes is precisely the type of legislative interference that deprives citizens of the option to adopt local taxes to support the multitude of programs the state, in its financial crisis, can no longer address.
D.	Cities must have the financial resources to provide the basic public services - public safety, roads, sewer, water, library, parks, schools - that our citizens and businesses depend on, including affordable housing, and that make our communities desirable places to live and work.

THE CITY OF ASHLAND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Ashland urges the Oregon State Legislature to repeal the prohibition on real estate transfer taxes.

SECTION 2. This resolution takes effect upon signing by the Mayor.

This resolution was read by title only in accordance with Ashland Municipal Code Section 2.04.090 duly

PASSED and ADOPTED this ______day of ______, 2005:
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder

SIGNED and APPROVED this ______day of ______, 2005:
John W. Morrison, Mayor

Reviewed as to form:
Michael W. Franell, City Attorney