Resolution 07-1184RESOLUTION NO. 07-1184
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF LONGWOOD, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE
REAUTHORIZATION OIL' THE SADOWSKI
AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND; ELIMINATION
OF THE CAP OF THE FLORIDA HOUSING TRUST
FUNDS BEGINNING IN :FISCAL YEAR 2008-2009 AND
SUPPORTING FULL FUNDING FROM THE HOUSING
TRUST FUNDS :FOR HOUSING IN THE STATE FISCAL
YEAR 2008-2009 BUDGET; AND PR.OVI:DING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Longwood has an obligation to provide for the housing needs of its
current and anticipated populations and assisting lower income families is dependent upon
sufficient housing assistance from federal and state programs; and
WHEREAS, the William E. Sadowski Affordable Housing Act of 1992 deliberately used the
documentary stamp tax as its revenue source because of its nexus with the development of
affordable housing and because the source of funding needed to be a growth vehicle to keep pace
with escalating land and 1lousing costs; and
WHEREAS, the Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Funds created by the William E. Sadowski
Affordable Housing Act of 1992 acts as the depository for documentary stamp revenue and will
require reauthorization by the Florida Legislature in 2008; and
WHEREAS, the Governor and Legislature provided full funding from the Housing Trust Funds
every year from Fiscal Year 1992-1993 through Fiscal Year 2002-2003; and
WHEREAS, the State of Florida is experiencing a housing crisis due to massive increases in the
cost of laird, construction, and the ultimate cost of housing to its citizens; and
WHEREAS, the 'William E. Sadowski Affordable Housing Act has worked as planned,
providing needed revenues into the State and Local Housing Trust Funds at this time of crisis;
and
WHEREAS, the Legislature enacted a cap on the Housing Trust Funds of $243 million per year,
beginning in Fiscal Year 2007-2008; and
WHEREAS, the Governor and Legislature, at this time of crisis, have not provided full funding
from the Housing Trust Funds for the last three fiscal years, resulting in the under funding of
housing appropriations by over $600 million froin Fiscal Year 2003-2004 through Fiscal Year
2007-2008; and
WHEREAS, Florida's affordable housing needs are, estimated at well beyond $500 million
during Fiscal Year 2008-2009 exceeding the cap amount; and
WHEREAS, new documentary staunp tax revenues for housing pursuant to The Sadowski .Act of
1992 are limited to $243 million per year which vegan in Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
:NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE, CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF :LONGWOOD, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That the City of Longwood supports the reauthorization of the Sadowski Affordable
Housing Trust Funds, and urges the Governor and Florida Legislature to adopt statutory changes
during the 2008 Legislative Session reauthorizing the trust fund.
Section 2. That the City of .Longwood supports repeal of the cap on the Housing Trust Funds,
and urges the Governor and Florida Legislature to adopt statutory changes during the 2008
Legislative Session to repeal the cap.
Section 3. That the City of Longwood supports full funding for housing in the Fiscal Year 2008-
2009 Budget, and urges the Governor and Legislature to adopt a budget with that level of
funding.
Section 4. That the City Clerk is directed to forward a certified copy of this resolution to
Governor Charlie Crist, the County legislative delegation and the Florida League of Cities,
urging each of them to support the statutory changes identified above.
Section 5. That this F.esolution shall be in force and take effect immediately upon its passage
and adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City of Longwood, this S ay of November, 2007.
ATTEST:
O�
Sarah M. Mirus, City Clerk
Approved as to form and legality for the use and reliance of the City of Longwood, Florida only.
Teresa S. Roper, City Attorney