09/15/1986 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Ms. Wooten expressed concern about IInickel and dimell increases in revenue. She said the council faces the same financial problems each year. e Mayor Obie pointed out that Eugene's tax rate has increased substantially. He said higher tax rates may pressure the voters into approvi ng the tax limitation measures on the November ballot. Mr. Miller suggested the council discuss its problems with State legislators. Mayor Obie suggested the councilors also listen to the legislators' problems. Several councilors reviewed past attempts to discuss City problems with State legislators. They suggested the council concentrate on legislative candidates. Answering a question from Ms. Bascom, Mayor Obie said the City.s Federal lobbyists are working on approval of an airport boarding tax. Mr. Short said Budget Committee members and councilors should continue to work with legislators and encourage efforts to increase revenue bases. He said it probably will become increasingly difficult to hold wage agreements to 3 percent, the November ballot measures increase social services and constrain revenue bases, and people do not know what the results of the Tax Reform Act will be. He said the Budget Committee should focus on cutting services this year. Ms. Wooten said she is not interested in cutting services. She is interested in increasing the City's revenues. Mr. Boles urged the councilors to seek additional sources of revenue for the e City. Mr. Gleason summarized by saying the City's financial condition is not hopeless. The forecasts i ndi cate future problems but solutions will be sought. He said cities cannot rely on the State and Federal governments any longer. Mayor Obie recessed the meeting at 8:15 p.m. to September 17, 1986. ;~ M cheal Gleas City Manager (Recorded by Betty Lou Rarick) mnccse15 e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 15, 1986 Page 6