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their mill rates increase as the result of declining assessed value. Very few <br />cities are seeing their taxbases increase at the rate of inflation and over <br />half are experiencing rea] declines. <br /> <br /> Cities will experience further budget pressure in 1987 because of the <br />complete elimination of federal revenue sharing (historically about five <br />percent of cities' budgets), costs of implementing co~parable vorth plans, and <br />other state and federal cutbacks. Unfortunately for taxpayers, the governor <br />doesn't even propose an inflation increase in property tax relief programs <br />that could help temper the impact of this on individuals. <br /> <br /> State lawmakers are beginning to talk of further income tax reductions in <br />1987. State leaders should first consider the public service consequences. <br /> <br />~hat can city officials do to help the League in ur~i~$ the state to minimize <br />Cuts to cities? <br /> <br /> Cities' success in this effort depends on city officials throug:,~t the <br />state contacting their legislators. You don't need to be familiar with the <br />homestead credit or local govermnent aid formulas. Few legislators knov the <br />details of these programs either. What you do need to tell them is vhat your <br />budget situation is now and how difficult it will be for you to absorb state <br />cuts in the current fiscal year. It is also important that you stress the need <br />for increased funding for 1987. Share your concerns about increased property <br />taxes next year and ho~ few alternatives are available. Unlike the state or <br />federal government, cities cannot balance their budget by reducing payments to <br />others. The streets still need plowing, <br /> <br /> Hake sure the people in your city understand the iaplications of the <br />state cuts through articles in your local newspaper. The League ~ill help <br />draft press releases. Some cities are preparing special information pieces on <br />the state budget and its implications for city services and giving them to <br />each employee The League will help cities ~ith this if your wish. <br /> <br /> Our success depends on city officials throughout the state taking the <br />time to talk to their legislators. Legislators like to hear from local <br />officials and value their input. You can make a difference. <br /> <br /> For further information, contact Diane Loeffler of the League staff, who <br />is leading the League's lobbying efforts on budget cuts and can respond to <br />individual questions. She is assisted in this by Legislative Assistant Jeff <br />Van Wychen. <br /> <br />-4- <br /> <br /> <br />