HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-05-15
RESOLUTION NO. R-05-15
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, INDIAN RIVER
COUNTY, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING AMENDMENTS TO THE
FLORIDA CONSTITUTION REQUIRING THE PERIODIC REVIEW AND
APPROVAL OF ALL SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Florida's tax structure is very dependent on sales tax revenues,
which amount to approximately $18.3 billion annually; and
WHEREAS, Florida now exempts more revenue than it collects, providing sales
tax exemptions for over 400 products and services, amounting to an annual loss of
$22.7 billion in tax revenue, and these exemptions are poorly categorized with broad
disparities; and
WHEREAS, Florida's tax exemptions have not been revised or reformed
significantly since 1949; and
WHEREAS, Florida's municipalities rely on sales tax revenues to provide for
the health, safety, and welfare of it's citizens, and the proportionate share in this
revenue source for each municipality is a stable reliable resource; and
WHEREAS, the inequities in Florida's sales tax cause the state and
municipalities to be more dependent on other revenue sources, such as property tax;
and
WHEREAS, a group called Floridians Against Inequities and Rates (FAIR) is
pursuing three constitutional amendments to the 2006 ballot that, if approved, would
sunset all current sales tax exemptions in July, 2008, unless the Legislature votes to
renew the exemption; and
WHEREAS, the constitutional amendment would protect sales tax exemptions
for food, prescription drugs; health services, residential rent, electricity and heating
fuel, for the greatest of public interest.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEBASTIAN, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA:
SECTION 1. That the City of Sebastian supports the FAIR amendment and
urges its citizens to sign petitions supporting its placement on the November ballot.
SECTION 2. That the City of Sebastian urges voters to support this initiative on
the November, 2006 ballot.
SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. This resolution shall take effect immediately
upon its passage.
The foregoing Resolution was moved for adoption by Councilmember
Burkeen . The motion was seconded by Councilmember Monier
and, upon being put to a vote, the vote was as follows:
Mayor Nathan B. McCollum aye
Vice Mayor Brian S. Burkeen aye
Councilmember Andrea B. Coy aye
Councilmember Lisanne Monier aye
Councilmember Sal Neglia aye
The Mayor thereupon declared this Resolution duly passed and adopted this
ZxllKday of &..~l:il, 2005.
11th day of May, 2005.
CITY OF SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA
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By. C Z ~d
Nai~ . Mc ollum, Mayor
ATTEST:
(SEAL)
Approved as to Form and Legality for
Reliance by the City of Sebastian Only:
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Rich Stringer - City orney
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