11/30/1988 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e General Fund revenue could possibly be used to finance the operation of the library. Mayor Obie said this is the direction being pursued by the CClF. Mayor Obie asked whether there was council support for using the capital budget to finance library construction costs. He said Mr. Bennett expressed concern earlier about exhausting the capital budget on the library project. Mayor Obie also asked whether the council favors re-prioritizing its uses for the General Fund so that the increased library costs can be funded out of the existing General Fund. Mr. Holmer said he feels that a larger and improved library is a higher operating priority than a number of other city activities. He said he would prefer to put the other activities on a special levy to compete for funding. Ms. Ehrman did not favor this idea, saying that it would be extremely difficult to identify items to be cut from the budget. Mayor Obie directed staff to prepare a comparison between the existing library budget and the projected library budget, noting those activities which might be phased in or dispensed with as funding requires. Mr. Miller also requested staff to provide a written opinion on whether there are savings in operations to be gained through the efficiency of the new building which could be used to help mitigate expansion costs. Ms. Wooten, Ms. Schue, and Mayor Obie did not feel it was realistic to think the library could be funded by existing General Fund money without generating new revenue somewhere. Mr. Miller felt it would be possible, but it might e not be desirable. He said there are creative options for funding the library which have not yet been considered. Mr. Miller reiterated his opinion that the City should build the shell of the library and figure out the details of finishing and operating the library later. He said Pankow is presenting the community with an opportunity too good to miss. Ms. Wooten said she remains confounded by the creative funding options Mr. Miller refers to. She felt CCLF members and staff are resourceful and have examined all practical options. Ms. Wooten said she strongly feels the council needs to begin recognizing the need for more money and identifYing new revenue sources to generate that money. Mr. Miller pointed out that the community has reached its taxation limit. He said if this is the case, the council needs to decide whether it will turn its back on new opportunities. Mr. Miller felt the community should not be dictated by past funding decisions, but should make the best possible use of current funds to meet current public need. Ms. Ehrman felt the council should present an entire plan to the community at the public hearing in December. She felt the council would appear to be holding the public hostage if the City builds only part of the project, then lets it sit until the rest of the funding can be worked out. Ms. Ehrman felt the purpose of the public hearing is to find out whether the public feels a library is essential to the community. Ms. Wooten agreed with this position. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 30, 1988 Page 9