06/29/1988 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e hours to approximately 43 hours per week. Though the levy failed county-wide, Mr. Meeks said Eugene voters passed it by a significant margin. Mr. Gleason reminded the council that in its ranking during the budget process, the library received top ranking and the council instructed management to make no further adjustments. The executive budget presented the impact of the library levy on the library's operations. . Mr. Gleason anticipated that the council would choose to debate its instructions to management regarding program suggestions. Mr. Holmer stressed the need to respect the wishes of the voters. He said a continuing responsibility of the City should not be on a serial levy but should be in the General Fund. He said the $197,000 required for library services might be found in the Contingency Fund and he suggested reconsidering the decision to fund $141,000 in lower priority items. Mr. Holmer described the closures mentioned by Mr. Meeks as actions that would demean the library. At this point, Mr. Gleason announced an unofficial calculation of the library levy election results. Within Eugene, the vote was 13,673 in favor (57 percent), and 10,319 against (43 percent). Mayor Obie asked staff to look at the expense side of the budget and return with recommendations. Mr. Gleason said the question of an internal levy is one for council consideration. e Mr. Wong told the council July 15 was the deadline for certifying a levy to the Assessment and Taxation Division. If a serial levy is indicated, it would be possible to request delay of official certification. Mr. Gleason mentioned a potential $50,000 loss if the division is not notified. Election options are August or September. Mr. Holmer said it would not be responsible to seek a serial levy. He said a permanent solution should be sought for funding a basic service of government and in the interim, Mr. Gleason should be asked to recommend appropriate means of funding the proposed cutbacks to service. Ms. Ehrman cautioned against directing staff to work on recommendations unless there is council consensus about proceeding. . Mr. Bennett said the issue should be addressed as part of the strategic financial plan and the council should avoid reacting on a crisis basis. Ms. Wooten voiced her support of maintaining the library hours and services, but she opposed doing so at the expense of the programs. She favored exploring non-program options for funding for service restoration. Ms. Bascom expressed her surprise at the outcome of the vote and said she would like to consider various options. ~MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 29, 1988 Page 4