09/30/1992 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e tution to allow the use of gas tax moneys for parks). She urged the council to take no position on the ballot measure. Mr. Boles indicated that the committee had been unanimous in its recommenda- tion to the council. Linda Lynch, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Division, said the committee discussion had focused on past council positions regarding allowable uses for the Highway Trust Fund dollars. The council had shown willingness in the past to expand the use of those dollars for transpor- tation-related activities only. Mr. Boles moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, to oppose State Ballot Measure 2. The motion passed, 5:1, Ms. Bascom voting no. State Ballot Measure 7 Mr. Boles moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, to support State Ballot Measure 7. Ms. Bascom said that Mr. MacDonald had been in opposition to council support for the split roll property tax. Additionally, the League of Oregon Cities opposed the measure. Ms. Bascom said she supported a "no position" motion. Ms. Lynch noted that the committee had been split on the measure, 2:1. Mr. Rutan urged the council to avoid taking a position on the issue. He pointed out that the measure had no direct financial impact on the City. Mr. e Nicholson disagreed with Mr. Rutan's statement, saying that while there may be no "direct" impact, the State was likely to divert funds currently sent to cities to other purposes to offset the impact of Ballot Measure 5. He noted that as a small business owner the tax would impact him, but he believed there were benefits to taxing nonowner-occupied property at higher levels. Responding to a question from Mr. Rutan, Ms. Lynch said that the League of Oregon Cities and Chamber of Commerce opposed the measure as those bodies did not believe it represented a long-term, systematic attempt at tax reform. Responding to a question from Mr. Boles, Mr. Rutan said that Mr. MacDonald had changed his position on the ballot measure since committee discussion oc- curred. Mr. Boles agreed that the measure did not present a long-term solution, but pointed out it would provide relief to the community's major employer, the University of Oregon, until the legislature can address the State's budget problems. He expressed concern that the future of higher education could be jeopardized by the time the Legislature can act. Ms. Ehrman said she was unwilling to take a council position if the council did not have a majority of members in favor of the position. The motion failed, 2:4; Mr. Nicholson and Mr. Boles voting yes. e MINUTES--City Council Work Session September 30, 1992 Page 4 11:30 a.m.