06/22/1987 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Tom Hoyt, 460 Palomino Drive, said he represents the council on the Metropolitan Partnership Board of Directors. He sa i d he, a 1 so, hopes the e counci 1 wi 11 consider reinstating the $15,000. He said the Partnership is doing the best job the directors know how to do. He said the local economy is improving and this is not the time to decrease funds for the Partnership. There being no additional requests to testify, Mayor Obie closed the public hearing. Ms. Wooten said she was on the Budget Subcommittee that reviewed the City's contribution to the Metropolitan Partnership. She said she and Mr. Bennett encouraged initiation of an audit and evaluation of the City's investment in the Partnership because of the subcommittee's discussion. In the future, the pub 1 i c wi 11 have tools to evaluate the Partnership. She said the City's investment in economic development is a long-term one but the "pay-off" is beginning. Ms. Wooten moved, seconded by Mr. Bennett, that the City Council direct the City Manager to restore $15,000 to the City's contribution to the Metropolitan Partnership from the contingency fund. Ms. Schue said the City has an elaborate budget process. She said the Budget Committee recommended the budget before the council and the budget contains cuts in several good programs. She said the Partnership is doing a good job but she will not vote to change the Budget Committee's recommendation. Ms. Bascom said Lane Counci 1 of Governments and the Eugene-Spri ngfi e 1 d e Vi s i tors and Convention Bureau representatives, a s we 11 as Partnership representatives, asked her to reinstate cuts in their funds. She said she does not favor changing the budget now but she hopes those representatives will discuss their needs with the councilors early in the budget process next year. Mr. Mill er said he was amazed by the cut in Partnership funds but he understood that Mr. Piercey and Mr. Hoyt want the council to consider their needs when supplemental budgets are considered. He said that will help the council learn the consequences of its actions. He said he supports the budget process. Mr. Bennett said the Partnership is making progress and he cannot support a decrease in its funds because a decrease sends the wrong message. He said the council can consider restoring the funds for the Visitors and Convention Bureau when a projected increase in Transient Room Taxes is realized. He wondered why the council would decrease Partnership funds when it might mean the loss of an industry that would provide 20 jobs. Mr. Holmer said he objected to the cut in funds for the Partnership but any restoration of funds should go through the budget process. He encouraged both Partnership and Visitors and Convention Bureau representatives to present proposals to the Budget Committee to restore their funds. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 22, 1987 Page 9