Title
Establishing an Advisory Commission to recommend cost-effective means of implementing the recommendations of the Tax Reform Commission without detriment to City services.
Body
WHEREAS, the Tax Reform Commission established under Section 3-100 of The Home Rule Charter has issued its Final Report (November 15, 2003), setting forth a series of recommended ordinances, regulations, statutes and executive orders relating to the structure, allocation and level of local taxes in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Section 4-900(b) of the Charter expressly precluded the Commission from making any recommendations relating to "any expenditure reductions, municipal government cost savings, or municipal government service reductions to offset any potential revenue reductions which may result from the implementation of any recommendations set forth in the Commission's report"; and
WHEREAS, this Council has carefully reviewed the report and recommendations of the Commission, and supports them in concept; and
WHEREAS, in extensive public hearings on the recommendations of the Tax Reform Commission, this Council has heard testimony from many distinguished witnesses regarding the fiscal burdens the City would be faced with if all of the Commission's recommendations were implemented immediately or at this time; and
WHEREAS, it would be fiscally imprudent for this Council to enact the Commission's far-reaching recommendations without a full and comprehensive understanding of the effect that these recommendations will have on municipal services or on the fair allocation of the tax burden among the citizens of this City;
NOW THEREFORE,
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. There is hereby established a Tax Reform Implementation Commission.
SECTION 2. The Commission shall be composed of seventeen (17) members, as follows:
(1) Four members appointed by the Mayor.
(2) Four members appointed by resolution of City Counc...
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