12/19/1988 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

e Bruce Hall, 272 Country Club Road, spoke as the regional manager of US West Communications. Mr. Hall voiced strong opposition to placing an additional burden on his customers by imposing the proposed utility tax. He was not arguing with the need or merit of a new library, but he considered the tax vehicle being considered a regressive tax. Additionally, he claimed that a tax on necessary services would not be in the best interests of residents. At this point in the meeting, a member of the audience complained that speakers were not being called in the order in which they had arrived and signed up to speak. Ms. Bascom apologized for an unintentional change in the order of requests for recognition. Nancy Spring, 2330 Palmer, expressed concern about the constitutionality of the proposed tax which she considered a regressive sales tax that would have a detrimental impact on nonprofit organizations serving aged and low-income citizens. Leslie D. Erb, 610 E. 39th Avenue, encouraged the council to have regard for the elderly when deciding how to raise money, and to be cautious about entangling the public and private sectors. Margaret Wilson, 223 Conestoga Way, spoke against imposing any sales tax which she felt would be an unfair burden to senior citizens. While she never uses the library, she said she did not oppose a new library Marian Bennison, 155 E. 49th Avenue, said citizens were not opposed to a new - or expanded library, but objected to it being located downtown, tied to a commercial building, or financed by a utility tax. She maintained that the present structure could be expanded and that there was adequate parking nearby. Randy Turnbow and daughters, 2610 Highland Oaks Drive, described the important role the library plays in the development of children. He strongly encouraged the council to improve the library and considered the proposal under consideration the only practical alternative to do so. He supported the utility tax and said it could encourage conservation. Mr. Turnbow suggested that local contractors be used on the project. George Richardson, 220 N.W. 2nd Avenue, Portland, spoke on behalf of Northwest Natural Gas Company. He supported the library but opposed the utility tax as an inappropriate tax base for providing dedicated revenue for a City project. Mr. Richardson said the utility tax was unfair to low-income citizens whose homes are more likely to lack energy-efficiency. He thought it was unfair that the oil and propane segment of the energy industry would escape the tax and he anticipated the tax having an adverse impact on Eugene's future economic development. Tom Slocum, 1950 Graham Drive, complimented the Future Committee work, but said the community cannot afford a new library at this time. He suggested that funds are being inappropriately allocated in the community and thought cuts should be made in other areas. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council December 19, 1988 Page 5