Item # 1
COLUMBUS CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT
2016 PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
1. OTHER LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX (OLOST) - HOTEL/MOTEL EXEMPTION:
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting that the Local Legislative
Delegation to the General Assembly introduce legislation to amend O.C.G.A.
48-8-96 (h) (1) so that it only applies to LOST referenda held after January 1,
2011, thereby leaving the original two exemptions contained in the 2004
legislation in place in Columbus, Georgia. (Requested by Councilor Henderson)
Explanation:
Legislation would reinstate the original exemptions related to hotel lodging
and vehicle sales for any LOST referenda held after January 1, 2011.
2. SALES TAX ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY USER SAFEGUARD (POINT OF SALES
DATA):
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting the state take necessary
steps to ensure the full collection and timely remittance of all sales and use
taxes due to the state and to local governments, whether such steps include
additional funding for the Department of Revenue for audits and compliance
purposes, privatizing sales tax collections or allowing local governments to
collect and audit local sales taxes locally. (Carry over 2010/11/12/13/14/15)
(Requested by mayor, city manager and, Finance Director)
Explanation/Example:
1. Require the Department of Revenue to collect data showing sales tax
collections in cities;
2. Fully capture all data, whether electronically or manually filed;
3. Require the Department of Revenue to share sales tax data for collections
within municipal boundaries;
4. To the extent required to protect taxpayers, support confidentiality and
privacy of information shared with cities;
5. Support efforts to increase audits to ensure compliance; and,
6. Allow for more timely remittance of sales tax dollars to local governments.
(added 11/14/14).
3. 911 SURCHARGE ? INCREASE:
Introduce/support legislation to increase 911 fees from $1.50 to $2.50 for
telephone landlines and wireless phones from $1 to $2.50. (Carry over from
previous years) (Requested by Pam Hodge, Deputy City Manager)
Explanation:
The revenue generated by the landline, wireless and prepaid phones does not
currently support the operation of the E911 function. The E911 function for
the past four fiscal years has been subsidized from the General Fund and the
Other Local Option Sales Tax Fund for a total of $2.4 million. The E911 fees
from the landline phones have continued to decline almost 10% over the last
three years.
4. THAW THE FREEZE:
Request that local delegation to the Georgia General Assembly introduce local
legislation to sunset the Columbus Georgia Homestead Assessment Freeze found at
Ga. L. 1981, p. 1926 and substitute a new homestead exemption tax system
effective for all homestead purchases after January 1, 2017. (Requested by
Mayor)
Explanation:
This proposal would sunset the Columbus Georgia Homestead Assessment Freeze
found at Ga. L.1981, p.1926 for all homestead property transferred after
January 1, 2017. Homeowners who are currently under the freeze or who purchase
homesteads on or before January 1, 2017 shall continue under the current
homestead assessment freeze. Persons purchasing homes after January 1, 2017
shall receive a $20,000 homestead exemption beginning in the 2018 tax year. If
local legislation as proposed is adopted, then the same shall appear for
ratification at referendum in November, 2016.
5. REPEAL OF HOTEL DESTINATION FEE IMPOSED BY HB 106 2015 SESSION:
This item requests repeal Section 3 of HB 106, to be codified as
O.C.G.A.?48-13-50.3, which imposes a $5 per night fee on hotel lodging, as part
of the transportation funding plan enacted by HB 170. (Requested by Councilor
Pugh)
Explanation:
This fee will unfairly burden Georgia businesses and visiting families who are
already supporting transportation funding through other taxes. This surcharge
constitutes another tax upon consumers within the Columbus market and hampers
the ability of Columbus hotels to maintain room rates. In addition, in Columbus
and other cities near a border, it will give hoteliers in adjacent states a
competitive advantage. The fee was added as part of an amendment to HB 170
which was made late in the session and was not extensively debated.
6. PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES (PTV?S):
This item requests an amendment to the provisions of O.C.G.A.?40-6-365(c)(3)
which governs the ability of local governments registration of PTV?s which are
allowed to be used on public streets in specifically designated areas. The
amendment would allow inspection and registration of such vehicles annually
instead of once every five years. (Requested by Councilor Davis)
Explanation:
This Council has recently enacted an ordinance allowing the use of PTV?s on
certain designated streets in the Uptown area. Due to state law restrictions,
registration was only able to be required every 5 years. Annual registrations
are requested to better protect the safety of citizens in areas where PTV?s are
permitted.
7. LEGISLATIVE VETTING PERIOD:
Request that the local delegation support proposed statewide legislation to
call for a forty-eight hour vetting period to any substantive amendment to
legislation pending on the floor before either house of the legislature before
final adoption of the legislation. (Request of Councilor Davis)
Explanation:
In the past, substantive amendments have been made to legislation immediately
prior to its approval to incorporate provisions which had a significant impact
on the interests of this community which were not able to be openly debated and
considered. For example, two of the requests on this agenda request reversal of
last minute additions to major pieces of legislation.
8. COURT COSTS--RECORDER'S COURT: ADD - ON
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting legislation that will repeal
the sunset provision and allow Columbus, Georgia to add a fee to state mandated
fines as approved for other cities in Georgia. (Requested by Councilor
Henderson/Judge Cielinski)
Explanation:
Recorder's Court provides citizens of Muscogee County with fair and impartial
justice, promote public safety, enhance public trust and confidence, and
safeguard the constitutional rights of all who appears in this court.
Recorder's Court is requesting removal of the sunset provision. This fee
should apply to all tickets. The state law as written does not allow the city
of Columbus to impose a fee on state mandated fines. CCG is requesting a $25
fee be imposed due to startup costs instead of the $15 fee. The charge will be
added as a surcharge to each fine imposed by the Recorder's Court, effective
July 1, 2016 to be used to defray administrative costs of Recorder's Court.
9. HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES: ADD - ON
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting legislation to continue
advocating for and support additional funding in the 2016 Session to be
allocated for Home and Community Based Services for Georgia Senior population.
(Requested by Councilor Barnes)
Explanation:
Funding received from the Older Americans Act along with State funding are not
keeping pace with the increasing needs of the senior population. There is a
need of continual funding for Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, The Elderly
Legal Assistance Program, and the many Senior Wellness Programs under the Home
and Community Based Services.
1.
A RESOLUTION
NO. ____
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE/SUPPORT
LEGISLATION TO AMEND O.C.G.A. FOR HOTEL/MOTEL TAX REVENUE TO NOT BE DIVERTED TO
NON-TOURISM RELATED PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, through contract with the convention & visitors bureau, the chamber of
commerce and/or other non-profit 501c6 a municipality invests in marketing
their entire geographic area and all of its assets as a destination for leisure
and business travelers; and,
WHEREAS, hotel/motel tax was originally created so that local governments would
not have to bear the full burden of the cost of marketing to attract travelers;
and,
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient
operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for
its citizens; and,
WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2016 General Assembly Session.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That the local Legislative Delegation introduce/support legislation for
Hotel/Motel Tax revenue to not be diverted to non-tourism related purposes.
__________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2015 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Tom Buck voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
2.
A RESOLUTION
NO. ______
WHEREAS, the Columbus Finance Department and other officials of Columbus,
Georgia have requested information concerning sales tax data from the Georgia
Department of Revenue on many occasions;
WHEREAS, other consolidated governments and cities and counties of similar size
have also requested the same information in the past;
WHEREAS, O.C.G.A. Section 48-2-15(d) allows cities with populations greater
than 350,000 to request any pertinent tax information from state tax returns by
resolution to the State Revenue Commissioner;
WHEREAS, this Council deems it appropriate to request an amendment to O.C.G.A.
Section 48-2-15(d) to allow similar requests by consolidated governments or
cities or counties with a population greater than 170,000.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
We hereby respectfully request that the local delegation to the Georgia General
Assembly introduce general legislation at the 2016 Session of the Georgia
General Assembly to amend O.C.G.A. Section 48-2-15(d) so as to permit
consolidated governments or cities or counties with a population greater than
170,000 to request any pertinent tax information from state tax returns by
resolution to the Georgia Commissioner of Revenue. Let a copy of this
resolution be forwarded by the Clerk of Council to each member of the local
delegation to the Georgia General Assembly.
________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2015 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Tom Buck voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
3.
A RESOLUTION
NO. ________
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE/SUPPORT
LEGISLATION TO AMEND O.C.G.A. ? 46-5-134 TO INCREASE THE MONTHLY LANDLINE AND
WIRELESS ENHANCED 9-1-1 CHARGES UP TO $2.50.
WHEREAS, in accordance with the limits established by O.C.G.A. ? 46-5-134, this
Council has set the existing monthly landline (including VoIP) 9-1-1 charge at
$1.50 and the existing wireless enhanced 9-1-1 charge at $1.00 per each
connection; and,
WHEREAS, the cost to operate the Emergency System Telephone Fund 9-1-1-
Operations exceeds the revenue generated by the current charges; and,
WHEREAS, the Columbus Consolidated Government is subsidizing the operations of
the 9-1-1 operations from the General Fund.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That the local Legislative Delegation introduce/support legislation to amend
O.C.G.A. ?46-5-134 to authorize local governments to increase the monthly
landline and wireless enhanced 9-1-1charges to a maximum of $2.50 per each
connection.
__________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2015 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Tom Buck voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
4.
A RESOLUTION
NO.____
WHEREAS, 1981 Ga. Laws, page 1926, implemented a homestead assessment freeze in
Columbus, Georgia which was ratified by voters in November, 1982; and,
WHEREAS, the attached draft local legislation would sunset the Columbus,
Georgia homestead assessment freeze and substitute a new homestead exemption
tax system effective for all homestead purchases after January 1, 2017; and,
WHEREAS, the draft local legislation would continue the current homestead
assessment freeze for purchasers of homesteads on or before January 1, 2017;
purchasers of homesteads after January 1, 2017 would be eligible for a $20,000
homestead exemption beginning in the 2018 tax year; and,
WHEREAS, this Council desires that the local delegation to the Georgia General
Assembly introduce the attached local legislation at its 2016 Session, with
voter ratification set at the general election to be held in November, 2016.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
We hereby respectfully request that the local delegation to the Georgia
General Assembly introduce the attached local legislation to sunset the
Columbus, Georgia homestead assessment freeze and substitute a new homestead
exemption tax system effective for all homestead purchases after January 1,
2017. Let a copy of this resolution be forwarded by the Clerk of Council to
each member of the local delegation to the Georgia General Assembly.
_____________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2015 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Tom Buck voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
5.
A RESOLUTION
NO._____
WHEREAS, the Transportation Act, H.B.170, as amended by Section 3 of H.B. 106,
both enacted in the 2015 legislative session, enacted a new code section
48-13-50.3 which imposed a $5.00 per day fee on hotel/motel lodging effective
July, 2015 to fund transportation expenditures; and,
WHEREAS, this Council is concerned that this additional fee will adversely
impact the residents of Georgia, who make up a significant portion of hotel
visitors to most Georgia cities, and who make up 79% of overnight hotel guests
in Columbus, as these Georgians are otherwise being taxed to support the
development of transportation infrastructure within the State; and,
WHEREAS, this Council finds that local businesses of Columbus are particularly
adversely impacted by this destination fee, which when added to existing sales
and use taxes already charged on Columbus hotel rooms results in an average tax
of 23% on the average daily hotel rate, making it difficult for Columbus hotels
to maintain reasonable daily rates, particularly in light of competition from
hotels across the border in Alabama which are not subject to the same fee
structure.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
We hereby request that the local delegation to the General Assembly introduce
legislation to repeal O.C.G.A. ?48-13-50.3 which imposed a $5.00 per night
hotel/motel fee effective July 1, 2015.
__________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2015 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Tom Buck voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
6.
A RESOLUTION
NO.______
WHEREAS, O.C.G.A.?40-6-365(c)(5)provides that local governments may regulate
the use of PTV?s on its streets by requiring registration and proof of
insurance once every five years for a fee not to exceed $15.00; and,
WHEREAS, this Council recently passed Ordinance No. 15-8 implementing a PTV
plan permitting the use and registration of PTV?s on certain designated streets
in the Uptown Columbus area, but based on the requirements of O.C.G.A. ?40-6-365
(c)(5),registration and insurance verification was limited to once every five
years for a fee of $15.00; and,
WHEREAS, this Council finds that in the interest of protecting the safety and
welfare of pedestrians and motorists in the areas where PTV are permitted, it
would be advantageous to require yearly registration and verification of
adequate insurance.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
We hereby request that the local delegation to the General Assembly introduce
legislation to amend O.C.G.A. ?40-6-365(c)(3)to allow for the annual
registration and inspection of PTV?s permitted for use on public streets for a
fee not to exceed $15.00.
_________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2015 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Tom Buck voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
7.
A RESOLUTION
NO.____
WHEREAS, it has been noted by members of this Council that substantive
changes are often made to legislation by amendment almost immediately before
passage of such legislation which precludes any meaningful discussion, debate
or public input with respect to such changes; and,
WHEREAS, members of this Council have heard that there is discussion of and
support for legislation which would impose a specific waiting or vetting period
which would restrict substantive amendments to pending legislation that were
made immediately prior to passage of such legislation.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
We hereby request that the local delegation to the General Assembly support any
legislation introduced in either house which would impose a waiting or vetting
period of up to 48 hours before legislation with significant amendments could
be finally adopted.
__________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2015 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Tom Buck voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
8.
Add-On
A RESOLUTION
No.________
WHEREAS, in 2013, the General Assembly adopted House Bill No. 556 (Act No. 297)
creating a Recorder?s Court Technology Fee, to be set by the Court, not to
exceed $15.00 as a surcharge to each fine imposed; and,
WHEREAS, said Act and Technology Fee will be automatically repealed on July 1,
2016; and,
WHEREAS, this Council desires that the local legislative delegation introduce
local legislation at the 2016 Session of the Georgia General Assembly to permit
imposition of court costs of $25.00 to be added as a surcharge to each fine
imposed by the Recorder?s Court, effective July 1, 2016, to be used to defray
administrative costs of the Recorder?s Court.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
We hereby respectfully request that the local delegation to the Georgia General
Assembly introduce local legislation at the 2016 Session to permit imposition
of court costs of $25.00 to be added as a surcharge to each fine imposed by the
Recorder?s Court, effective July 1, 2016, to be used to defray administrative
costs of the Recorder?s Court. Let a copy of this resolution be forwarded by
the Clerk of Council to each member of the local delegation to the Georgia
General Assembly.
______________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia held on the
_______ day of ___________ 2015, and adopted at said meeting by the affirmative
vote of ______ members of Council.
Councilor Allen voting __________.
Councilor Baker voting __________.
Councilor Barnes voting __________.
Councilor Buck voting __________.
Councilor Davis voting __________.
Councilor Henderson voting __________.
Councilor Huff voting __________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting __________.
Councilor Thomas voting __________.
Councilor Woodson voting __________.
______________________________ _________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
9.
Add-On
A RESOLUTION
NO.________
WHEREAS, senior citizens are Georgia's most vulnerable population with many
socio-economic barriers to quality of life issues. With the advent of the "Baby
Boomer generation, the 60 and above is the fastest growing age cohort. Funding
received from the Older Americans Act along with State funding are not keeping
pace with the increasing needs of the senior population; and,
WHEREAS, in the River Valley Region alone, the following Home and
Community Based Services have been provided: More than 212,013 meals to clients
during FY15; More than 31,362 hours of services provided to clients for
Homemaker, Personal Care and Respite Care for FY15; and 5044 hours of services
provided to caregivers through the Respite Care Services Voucher Program; and,
WHEREAS, continual funding is also needed for the Long Term Care Ombudsman
Program, The Elderly Legal Assistance Program , and the many Senior Wellness
Programs under The Home and Community Based Services.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
We hereby respectfully request that the local legislative delegation to the
Georgia General Assembly continue advocating for and support additional funding
in the 2016 Session to be allocated for Home and Community Based Services for
Georgia's Senior population. Let a copy of this Resolution be forwarded by the
Clerk of Council to each member of the local delegation to the Georgia General
Assembly.
______________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia held on the
_______ day of ___________ 2015, and adopted at said meeting by the affirmative
vote of ______ members of Council.
Councilor Allen voting __________.
Councilor Baker voting __________.
Councilor Barnes voting __________.
Councilor Buck voting __________.
Councilor Davis voting __________.
Councilor Henderson voting __________.
Councilor Huff voting __________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting __________.
Councilor Thomas voting __________.
Councilor Woodson voting __________.
______________________________ _________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
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