03/16/1983 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e Councilor Smith said that the Room Tax Subcommittee was reviewing its respon- sibilities and that this review could be added to the group's work program if the council so directs. Councilor Obie asked how the proposed language differed from the resolution adopted on March 14. Mr. Sercombe responded that the resolution adopted on March 14 stated that the Room Tax Subcommittee may from time to time make recommendations to the City Council and that the suggested new language would make such a report mandatory once per year. Mr. Obie noted that the hotel/motel industry had originally wanted to take the matter to the voters to have the tax dedicated and that the City had said this was unnecessary. Mr. Obie felt that it would not be in good faith to change this stand without first discussing the matter with the industry. Mayor Keller responded that no change was intended, just a review. He noted that industry representatives had been present at the March 14 meeting when the council discussed the matter of an annual review and that he had not been contacted with any concerns about the proposal. Councilor Smith said she had discussed the matter of annual review with industry representa- tives and had told them that it was standard City procedure. She said their concern was that the Room Tax Committee, which includes industry representatives, be the body that conducts the review and then reports to the council and that they had supported the resolution with the understanding that this is how the review would be conducted. Councilor Hansen said that he was concerned with the review of the allocation of the one-percent increase. He felt the only issue to be reviewed was whether the funds were being used well. He felt there needed to be assurances, especially for the Convention and Visitor's Bureau, that this was long-term funding. Councilor Schue said that the council had committed itself to funding for the bureau, but she was concerned that if the bureau's efforts are successful and the revenues generated by the additional one percent are large, the bureau might not need the entire amount. She felt that the door should be left open for considering other use of the funds or a portion of them. Ms. Wooten moved, seconded by Ms. Schue, that the City Council direct the City Attorney to bring back language which properly amends the resolution adopted regarding the allocation of a one-percent increase in the Room Tax funds as outlined in the memo distributed by Ms. Wooten. Roll call vote. Vote of the council was tied 4:4, with Councilors Ball, Lindberg, Schue, and Wooten voting in favor, and Councilors Hansen, Holmer, Obie, and Smith voting in opposition. Mayor Keller broke the tie with a vote in favor. Motion carried. Councilor Holmer said he felt there was no purpose to the amendment. He did not feel that review should be limited to annual reviews, but, rather that the use of the allocation should be reviewed as often as the council deemed necessary. Councilor Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the language be brought before the Room Tax Committee for its recommendation prior to being brought before the City Council. MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 16, 1983 Page 2