Item 2D - 2005 Leg.Policies Doc - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Introduction As the State's second most populous metropolitan area, Eugene-Springfield serves as the economic, recreational and cultural center for the southern Willamette Valley and much of southwestern Oregon. The metropolitan area population is now more than 200,000. The regional economy is diversified, with emphasis on technology, timber, education and service industries. The City of Eugene operates under a home rule charter providing for a council/manager form of government. The offices of the mayor and city councilors are nonpartisan, with the mayor elected at large and one councilor elected from each of eight city wards. In the past decade as a result of property tax limitation measures, specifically Measure 5 in 1990 and Measures 47/50 in 1996/1997, the City has gone through a number of budget reduction processes. In the early 1990's as a result of Measure 5, Eugene went through an extensive 18-month process to evaluate City services and potential budget cuts. The City identified and made $5.3 million in budget cuts through eliminating services and personnel reductions. As a result of Measure 50, which did not pass in Eugene or Lane County, the City cut an additional $8.7 million in services in fiscal years 1998 and 1999. The City's revenue has not kept pace with the service needs of the community since then. In fiscal year 2002 and again in 2003 service levels were again reduced and General Fund reserves have been tapped to forestall deficits that were projected to occur in five of the next six years. Despite the fiscal challenges faced by the City, Eugene has to date maintained an ~AA" bond rating from Moody's Investor's Service. That rating is a positive reflection of the management and performance history of the City. It is supported by the fact that a large percentage of the City's citizens rate City services positively, and demonstrates that the City is attempting to strategically address the fiscal and service issues facing the community in this decade. City of Eugene Legislative Policies, 2005 Session 1