11/21/1979 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . that perhaps it could be discussed at the next Council meeting. Mr. Lieuallen felt that a longer session at one of the Council study e sessions might be warranted on the subject. D. Council Study Session--Manager reminded Council of a study session to be held Wednesday, December 12, 1979, at the Valley River Inn, immediately following the Council meeting. Councilors were asked for their views on what they would like to discuss at that session. Ms. Schue said she is interested in discussion of downtown housing. Ms. Miller said that discussion will soon be needed on the Metro Plan Update process, but she also feels that attention needs to be given to the whole package of housing issues and revenue issues, as well as Council committee assignments. Mr. Obie said that downtown housing and revenue were his first priorities. Mr. Keller suggested that, for the December 12 meeting, the three suggestions by Ms. Miller would be good items to discuss--housing issues, revenue issues, and Council committee assignments. It was also agreed that the Council would try to reach some resolution on one issue before discussing the next item. It was agreed that the Mayor would moderate the session. II. REPORT OF REVENUE TASK FORCE (memo distributed) Mr. Ralph Cobb, Chairman of the Revenue Task Force Committee, was present to give a report on the actions of that committee. He said that the commitee first arrived at a consensus that there was not adequate time to determine whether to advise placing the two business and property transfer tax measures on the November ballot. Questions continually raised were e how much money the City really needs and what any new tax should include. The overwhelming feeling was that the tax should be broad-based, progres- sive, and should be able to be paid in small increments. Also, the revenue should keep up with inflation, and the anticipated revenue should be substantial. The various taxes discussed included sales tax, income taxes of various kinds, business tax, payroll tax, real estate transfer tax, utility user tax, and a change in the property tax structure. He said that, at the October 18 Task Force meeting, some Oregon State Legis- lative Revenue Committee members appeared and painted a very bleak picture of State budgetary problems. They pointed out that major changes in the tax system are very hard to come by, and that they are only implemented successfully in times of crises. Also, people tend not to vote for new taxes, particularly in western states where voters are rather conservative. Oregon does not seem to have animosity towards its government, which could hel p somewhat. The legislative committee said that, if a new tax is desperately needed, their advice would be to consider either a sales, property, or income tax of some kind. It might be advisable to hire somebody to survey the voters on their views. - 11/21/79--2 tolS