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from the formation of such a district, and that the EPD would still have authority in the areas it wished to have authority in such as the Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (INET). Commissioner Green voiced his support for general purpose governments over single purpose govem- ments. He said the Board of County Commissioners tried to be all things for all of the County residents as a general purpose government. He stated that, with full funding, this would not be a problem. Demands, however, had exceeded revenue. City Manager Taylor raised the problem of compression. He noted that the City of Cottage Grove had already reached compression. He asked what the role of the Public Safety Coordinating Council (PSCC) was and how its work plan to look at system gaps and needs was being utilized. Commissioner Green said compression was a reality that the commissioners would have to address. He thought a public safety district would not put the local jurisdictions into compression. Ms. Taylor related that she had heard that the State had taken back responsibility for the parole and probation departments in some cases. Sheriff Clements replied that the State had taken it from some counties, but was not likely to assume the responsibility in the case of Lane County. He noted that, when the State did so, those counties lost the revenue for those services. Ms. Taylor asked if the County would eliminate the fees for park usage if there was more money for public safety through such a district. Mr. Green said it was a consideration. Ms. Bettman expressed concern that a public safety district would only increase taxes. She opined that separate jurisdictions increased the "layers of bureaucracy." She suggested that the current budget be reprioritized and that other revenue sources be explored. She asked why the commissioners would not seek an advisory vote prior to seeking an amendment to the Metro Plan and presenting it before the Lane County Local Government Boundary Commission. Commissioner Green called this a good suggestion. He felt that past history indicated a situation so dire, he felt fairly certain what the vote would be. He predicted that asking the people if they wanted public safety would net a 'yes' vote and asking them if they want to pay for it would net a 'no' vote. Mr. Kelly, seconded by Ms. Bettman, moved to extend the discussion by five minutes. The motion failed, 4:2; Ms. Bettman and Mr. Kelly voting in favor. Mr. Meisner, seconded by Ms. Bettman, moved to extend the discussion by ten minutes. The motion passed, 4:2; Ms. Taylor and Mr. Kelly voting in opposition. Mr. Kelly opined that something fundamentally different needed to happen in how services were provided. He noted that prevention and treatment were the best long-term usage of public safety dollars. He recommended a significant increase in those components of public safety be incorporated into the district. Mr. Meisner agreed that the scope of a public safety district should be narrow. He said it had been argued that the entire City contribution to the Health and Human Services budget was for public safety. He underscored the need to be very clear to the public what the district would provide. MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 15, 2004 Page 4 Work Session