2006-014CITY OF HOPKINS
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION 2006-0014
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT FOR MOTOR
VEHICLE SALES TAX DEDICATION TO TRANSPORTATION
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Hopkins is the official governing body of the
City of Hopkins; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota's transportation infrastructure forms the backbone of the State's
economy and has a direct impact on future economic development; and
WHEREAS, funding for highway and transit systems in Minnesota has remained
stagnant and is failing to keep pace with its growing population and growing demands; and
WHEREAS, local governments throughout the State struggle to maintain local
transportation systems while the State's gas tax has not been increased since 1988 and transit
budgets have been cut in recent years; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Legislature has repeatedly turned to revenue from the motor
vehicle sales tax, which has been viewed as user fee revenue, in order to fund highway and
transit systems including the dedication of 54 percent of motor vehicles sales tax for
transportation purposes; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature passed a proposed constitutional amendment during the
2005 Legislative Session that would appear on the November 7, 2006 ballot asking voters if the
remaining 46 percent of motor vehicle sales tax revenue currently used for other purposes
should be used for highways and transit systems; and
WHEREAS, passage of this amendment would mean an increase in more stable revenue
for highway and transit systems throughout the State and would raise approximately $300
million per year once the transfer of revenue is fully phased in by 2011.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Hopkins strongly supports
passage of the proposed amendment to the Minnesota Constitution dedicating all of the motor
vehicle sales tax revenue to transportation with at least 40 percent of the revenue for public
transit assistance and not more than 60 percent of the revenue for highway purposes.
Passed and adopted this 21st day of March, 2006.
f,~ gene Maxwell, Mayor
ATT T: ~~v ~°.~
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Terry O maier, City Clerk