12/13/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. Denver--7.5 percent, Portland--six percent, and Seattle--five percent. - He said the budget of $120,000 was not large compared to other cities: Portland, $400,000; and Medford $75,000. He noted the fragmented efforts with several different groups promoting conventions and tourism. He said this ordinance is in no way intended to undermine those efforts, but to bring about a centralized coordination. Consideration of establishing a committee for hospitality and promo- tional industry and a marketing program was underway. It might be comprised of representatives of the motel/hotel business, the conven- tion bureaus of the Eugene and Springfield Chambers of Commerce, and other citizens. The advantages to the program would be no administra- tive costs and minimizing of confusion. He noted the ~arge number of dollars spent in the area from this industry and felt it was time for a coordinated effort. Ms. Smith expressed concern regarding the relationship and cooperation between the chambers of commerce and Civic Center, and wondered if a competing type of program should be set up. She also wondered if this was in compliance with the contracting laws. Ms. Joyce Benjamin, City Attorney's Office, said she presumed the County Counsel had looked at the ordinance; however, she would check it further. Commissioner Wood assured the Council it was appropriate ~nd legal. In response to a question from Mr. Bradley, Manager said there is a county- wide five-percent room tax. Within the city, three percent of that five percent returns to the City for room tax funds. Lane County keeps the other two percent. In terms of dollars, the City of Eugene gets about - $210,000 per year. The County gets about $100,000 within the city limits plus all the proceeds collected outside the city. Mr. Bradley wondered if the County could ammend an ordinance without the City passing a companion ordinance. ~ls. Benj ami n said she woul d rev i ew and report back to Council. Mr. Obie expressed concern regarding the time element involved. He felt it very critical, especially as it relates to the Civic Center program. He would like Council to ask the Commissioners not to act on the ordinance until the City could explore the text of the ordinance in more detail. He also noted the potential concern of three bodies needing room tax monies: the Civic Center, Chamber of Commerce, and the Fair Board entity. However, he felt efforts for consolidation and coordination to be admirable. He was also chagrined to find out the fair grounds was more a convention center. He felt that to be a wrong approach, especially on a competitive basis. He again requested delay by the County until the City staff and Council had time to further consider the proposal Commissioner Wood said he was responding to interests of all persons in the community. He said the improvement at the fair grounds had been going on for three years and was not a new issue. He said he was looking at the general interest of the public. Public dollars are building the fair ground improvements and he felt it necessary that the County compete e 12/13/78 - 5 ", ~-