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Even when using legal fireworks, normal precautions are a must. Supervise children and pets, have a supply of <br />water readily available, never try to relight a dud, and soak used fireworks in a bucket of water. Eugene Fire & <br />EMS crews will be touring the city on the evening of July 4, and will advise residents on the safe and proper use <br />and handling of fireworks. With safety as its #1 concern, however, the department recommends that families <br />consider enjoying one of the large commercial fireworks displays scheduled in the area. For more information, <br />please contact Assistant Fire Marshal Doug Perry at 682-5887. <br />City to Collect New Bethel School District Fee <br />Beginning July 1, the City of Eugene will collect a construction excise tax on new development for the Bethel <br />School District. This tax, a surcharge on building permits within the Bethel boundaries, was authorized by the 2007 <br />Oregon Legislature and will fund capital improvements to school facilities. Oregon statutes allow districts to <br />implement a $1 per square foot tax on new residential construction and a $0.50 per square foot tax on new <br />commercial construction, with a maximum fee of $25,000 on commercial development. Although State rules allow <br />districts to tax remodels resulting in an expanded building area, the Bethel School Board is imposing the tax only <br />on new structures. Bethel is the sole Eugene-area district that has, to date, adopted the tax. <br />Working to implement this new tax was a successful collaboration of local partners including the school district, <br />Lane County, local municipalities, and staff from the Planning and Development Department, Central Services <br />Department and the City Attorney’s Office. Partners worked hard to streamline collection activities and contain <br />costs, retaining as much revenue as possible for schools. Eugene will retain a small administrative fee to help pay <br />for collection costs. For more information about the City’s role in collecting the tax, contact Shelly Warren, financial <br />services manager, Building & Permit Services, at 682-5513 or shelly.warren@ci.eugene.or.us. <br />EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 <br />July 3, 2008 <br />