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<br />e and handling sign code violations would be dropped. In the Parks and Recreation <br /> Department, what would happen to the fee-supported programs is not clear, but <br /> the pools and centers would be closed for a portion of the year. Unless some <br /> other method of financing would be found, the closures could result in a 4-6 <br /> month closure per facility per year. The pools could be sold to a private <br /> interest. A 35-percent cut in the Library would reduce their open hours to 35 <br /> per week. These programs make up about three quarters of the City's general <br /> operating budget. <br /> Mr. Hamel asked what the difference is between the 30-percent refund currently <br /> given and Ballot Measure 6. Mr. Engen responded that because the State program <br /> is only for principal residences, that benefit is more advantageous to residents <br /> but not to the commercial or industrial sector. Mr. Henry noted that about one <br /> third of these cuts would be moneys retained by the State and Federal govern- <br /> ments, instead of locally, which would give the State and Federal governments <br /> more money because property taxes would be less. <br /> Ms. Engen stated that there would be a long-range impact on community use of <br /> credit. Ballot Measure 6 limits a community's ability to go into debt to pay <br /> for capital projects. Debt that is already incurred (bonds that have already <br /> been sold) would be exempted. Future bonds would be subject to the tax limita- <br /> tion. State laws regarding tax increments from the urban renewal area would <br /> have to be reviewed. The City of Eugene would lose about $770,000 of the <br /> current $1.1 million. There would be an impact on many other City projects. <br /> The Hilton Hotel/conference center contract would need to be renegotiated. The <br />e Metro Wastewater Project may be terminated. Because of federal requirements and <br /> difficulty with EPA grants, only $8 million of these bonds have been sold. <br /> Unfortunately, the Legislative Revenue Committee assumed there were no special <br /> districts within cities, but Metropolitan Wastewater is a special district. The <br /> City assists in financing public improvements by selling construction warrants <br /> and then sells Bancrofting bonds to pay the warrants. Bancroft and general <br /> obligation bonds will not be allowed with Ballot Measure 6. Housing and develop- <br /> ment costs would rise. This would require assessments to be passed by a two- <br /> thirds vote and the City would be liable for payment of the warrants. Another <br /> way would have to be found to finance public improvements. The decision to <br /> make regarding Ballot Measure 6 is whether the savings in property-tax charges <br /> would be worth the lack of services. <br /> Mr. Delay stated that the facts indicate that the community would be unable to <br /> handle its own affairs and the decision making would be given to the State and <br /> Federal government. A minority of the people, due to the two-thirds vote <br /> requirement, would tyrannize the majority. <br /> Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, that the City Council <br /> go on record in opposition to Ballot Measure 6. <br /> Ms. Smith noted that this council is concerned about the amount of moneys being <br /> spent. She is not happy to think that fire and police protection can become <br /> serious problems. She is also concerned about funding for immediate projects <br /> such as Metro Wastewater. She feels the council should continue to present good <br /> budgets that are not excessive to the citizens. She hopes the council will <br />e support the motion. <br /> MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 27, 1980 Page 3 <br />