05/24/1982 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e Mr. Gleason said that once the current budget gaps have been bridged, efforts need to be made to develop a "Lane County local government fair share tax support system," which would involve all the cities in the county, the school districts, and the community college. Responding to a question from Councilor Obie, Mr. Gleason said he anticipated that the County Budget Committee would recommend to the commissioners that an "N' Ballot request be placed on the June ballot, which would generate approxi- mately $2.7 million, with $2.5 million designated for law enforcement and the remainder allocated to support of such things as intergovernmental agencies and social services. Councilor Smith said that the council needs a clear picture of the effect of any County proposal on the citizens of Eugene. She said that the Eugene Budget Committee was especially concerned with funding for the intergovernmental programs in which the City and County participate jointly. Councilor Schue added that, as the City's representative to the Lane Council of Governments (L-COG), she was especially supportive of funding for intergovern- mental agencies, such as L-COG. She also expressed her personal concern that the school districts be included in any discussions, since they receive the major portion of the property tax. Councilor Obie expressed appreciation for Mr. Gleason's work on this matter. Mr. Obie agreed that the Mayor should be directed to proceed with negotiations with representatives of the other affected jurisdictions, but he felt that the council should only support an agreement which serves the best interests of the citizens of Eugene. Councilor Miller said she supported the suggestions made by Mr. Gleason. She said that voters in 20 Eugene precincts had supported the County's tax base proposal in the May 18th election and that this indicated recognition of the need for the City and County to work together and provide support for each other's activities. Councilor Lindberg said he felt that Mr. Gleason's suggestions were excellent, but that a major public education effort would need to be put together to convince the public to support a County levy. Mayor Keller said he sensed support from the council for his meeting with representatives of the cities within the County and of the school districts and community college to discuss the issues raised by the County's current budget predicament and efforts at working jointly to resolve the issues. He asked Council President Obie and Vice-President Schue to be available for consultation on this matter, since speedy action would need to be taken. Mayor Keller left the meeting to make arrangements to meet with the represen- tatives of the other jurisdictions. Council President Obie took over the chairing of the meeting. MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 24, 1982 Page 2