City Council Agenda and Packet 2014 12 18 LEGISLATIVE MEETING

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Louisville 2015 Legislative Agenda (in no particular order) Tax Policy The City supports a fair and consistent State policy that respects the authority of local governments. Further, the City opposes State exemptions that erode municipal sales tax, use taxes, property taxes and other revenue sources. Position: The City opposes legislation that preempts local authority to impose and collect sales and use taxes. Supports voluntary, cooperative efforts among Colorado municipalities to standardize sales and use tax practices and utilize technology for the convenience of taxpayers, the business community and municipalities. The City opposes State-granted exemptions or other State actions that erode municipal sales taxes, use taxes, property taxes, and other revenue sources unless the State provides adequate replacement revenues. Supports equitable sharing with municipalities of existing and future State revenues derived from State-collected, locally shared revenues, such as the Cigarette Tax, Highway Users Tax Fund, Lottery and Marijuana. Home Rule: Maintaining Local Control The City supports local control and maintaining home rule authority. In general, the City believes that local problems are best addressed at the local level and the current authority and powers of municipal governments such as land use, zoning, personnel matters, sales tax, etc. should not be diminished. There is concern about the ability of wine and spirits manufacturers and beer wholesalers to open sales or tasting rooms with a state-only license, potentially leading to complaints from citizens about proximity to residences, noise and traffic concerns and other neighborhood impacts. Position: The City urges State allow municipal officials to address local problems without State interference. Support potential legislation to require the opportunity for local governments to have binding denial of an application at the state level for a sales room for vinous or spirituous liquors (under the manufacturers license statute) or wholesale beer store (under the wholesalers statute). And the local licensing authority would also have the opportunity to rescind approval for demonstrated noncompliance with liquor laws. Energy and Environment The City of Louisville supports legislation to address climate change by improving energy efficiency, increasing use of renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, while maintaining local control and authority for implementation. It is the intent of the City to meet or exceed compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. However, the City does not support State or Federal programs that place an unreasonable financial burden on municipalities or individuals. Position: The City supports the development of a balanced, long-term statewide energy plan with an overall goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing a combination of energy sources and consideration of the following (but not limited to): a mix of non- renewable fossil fuels, renewable energy sources, nuclear facilities and energy efficiency and conservation programs. 1