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e e - said it would still be appropriate to have an understanding of the impact of having a sales tax or not. Mr. Obie said he preferred that any message sent address the economic problems created by the present tax system and that some action be taken to alleviate the problem. Ms. Schue agreed that something must be done. She said the impact of the financial difficulties affects the entire community and that pressure should be placed on the State leaders to resolve the situation. Ms. Wooten agreed that the message should not be limited to the issue of the sales tax, but should include the full range of the economic dilemma in which the City finds itself. In terms of the Supreme Court decision, she said many attorneys have judged that the sales tax proposal is unconstitutional and she was disappointed that the League of Oregon Cities did not test the constitutionality sooner. Mr. Ball commented that the legislative disorganization reflects the lack of consensus on Oregon's tax structure and that the relocation of businesses is an issue of much debate. He felt the argument is broader than just the relative tax advantages of the different jurisdictions. He said the council should focus on the financial future of the community. Mr. Holmer agreed that the issue is important and is a challenge to the Legislature. He said it might be possible to have the pro-sales tax coalition support an initiative measure. Based on the concerns stated, Mr. Obie suggested that staff prepare a memorandum addressing those concerns for council consideration next week to be forwarded to the leadership of the State. Mayor Keller added that the information should also be addressed to the League of Oregon Cities. Mr. Gleason said LaC had considered an initiative drive but it stalled because the Legislature was apparently moving toward agreement. He said the major cities might motivate LaC. Ms. Schue agreed with Mr. Holmer's ideas, stating that someone must act to redo the financing system. She suggested that the City might start with its leadership position within LaC. She said the Oregon Education Association would be an important part of the process. Ms. Wooten said she would like to have a letter for council consideration, but she did not want to go on record at this time to have LaC initiate a petition. Mayor Keller said his intent was to keep LaC informed. Mr. Gleason said staff will develop a memorandum for council consideration. Mayor Keller said the sales tax issue is a major concern to local jurisdictions and should remain a high priority. Mr. Gleason commented that the City has been stalled on the topic for three years due to the Legislature. He said the frustra- tion level at the organizational level is high. He stated that the council has the legal capacity to create any type of system to redistribute the tax burden. D. Aging Commission Councilor Ball stated that the council had received a letter from the Aging Commission dealing with problems in the hiring of senior citizens. He asked if any follow-up has been performed. E. Response to Previous Item In response to Ms. Wooten's earlier comment on the representation of annexed areas, Councilor Holmer stated that he has been attempting to provide service to those annexed properties contiguous to Ward 5. He said he was informed by Karen Goldman that no official representation is possible until the ward boundaries are changed by ordinance. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 8, 1984 Page 2