A resolution requesting the Mayor to submit a proposed budget to the Council for fiscal year 2006 requiring no tax increase.

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Charter requires the Mayor to submit a proposed operating budget for the Metropolitan Government to the Council not later than May 25th; and

WHEREAS, the Charter further requires that the budget submitted by the Mayor be a balanced budget, in that the total proposed expenditures may not exceed the total anticipated revenues plus the estimated unappropriated fund balance; and

WHEREAS, in June 2000, the Metropolitan Council approved a budget recommended by the Mayor requiring the largest property tax increase in the history of the Metropolitan Government; and

WHEREAS, much discussion has been generated in the press regarding a potential tax increase for fiscal year 2006; and

WHEREAS, many citizens of Nashville and Davidson County are elderly and on fixed incomes, and would suffer economic hardship were an additional tax increase to be enacted; and

WHEREAS, Members of Council often receive opinions from constituents expressing an unfavorable view regarding a perceived waste of taxpayer money for various governmental programs; and

WHEREAS, in light of the public's opinion regarding a potential tax increase, it is fitting and proper that the Mayor not include a tax increase in his proposed fiscal year 2006 operating budget.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Mayor to submit a proposed budget to the Council for fiscal year 2006 requiring no tax increase.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Mayor Bill Purcell.

Section 3. That the Mayor is further requested to respond to the Council as to the feasibility of and/or action taken in compliance with the request stated in Section 1 hereof not later than sixty (60) days from the adoption of this Resolution.

Section 4. That this resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Ludye Wallace