Authorizing the City Council Committee on Finance to conduct hearings on the past, current and future status of the City of Philadelphia's revenue collections.

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia is facing some difficult budgetary decisions in 2004 and likely beyond, in part due to a drop off in certain revenue collections; and

WHEREAS, There are projections that the level of uncollected property tax revenue has reached as high as $452 million; and

WHEREAS, Even a small fraction of the uncollected amount could stave off some of the difficult budgetary decisions the City is facing or be used for increased tax reduction; and

WHEREAS, Water revenue collections are currently averaging 85 cents for every dollar owed; and

WHEREAS, The Water Department is seeking to raise rates 47% over the next three years; and

WHEREAS, PGW collections are currently averaging 87 cents for every dollar owed; and

WHEREAS, PGW is seeking to charge is paying customers more to offset those who do not pay; and

WHEREAS, Evidence suggests that other taxes and revenues that the City collects should be thoroughly examined by this Council for potential opportunities for increased collections; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby authorize the City Council Committee on Finance to conduct hearings on the past, current and future status of the City of Philadelphia's revenue collections.

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