06/27/1984 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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In response to a request for clarification, Councilor Hansen stated that the purpose of his recommendation was to limit the number of animals being brought e to the clinic solely for vaccinations. He felt that many veterinarians were offering low-cost programs; he felt that some would participate in a low-cost program with the City to make vaccinations more available throughout the city. In response to a question by Councilor Schue, Mr. Hansen said a long-term goal would be for the City to get out of the spay/neuter business although he agreed with Mr. Ball that the City would stay in the business for the foresee- able future. He recognized that some General Fund subsidy would be necessary to support the remainder of the spay/neuter program if the vaccination revenue were lost. In response to a question by Mayor Keller, he stated that an increase in the other service fees should be reviewed, stating that the fees had not been raised since the 1976. In response to a request for clarification of the motion, Councilor Hansen said his motion was to adopt the recommendations but also to establish a philosophy on which to base those recommendations. While Mr. Hansen favored having staff review the current rates, Mr. Ball said he was comfortable with the present rates, stating that the rates were reviewed in 1982. Mr. Whitlow clarified that the rates had been in effect since 1978 although they were reviewed in 1982. Mr. Ball said the vaccination rates were raised at that time. He commented that raising the surgery rates would reduce the number of animals neutered. Mr. Hansen said that the City would have to increase the surgery fees to cover the operations shortfall without the vaccinations; he agreed with Mr. Ball that the program would enter a cost spiral in such a case. In response to a question by Councilor Obie, Ms. Goldman stated that there were approximately 22 veterinary clinics in Eugene, some clinics having more e than one veterinarian. Councilor Ehrman said she would vote against the motion, stating that the successful program was operating without any cost to the City. She added that she had not heard any opposition to the program from veterinarians. Mayor Keller stated that some veterinarians had not spoken to him since the original ordinance was passed. He said it was a no-win situation, and agreed that more study was needed. He hoped that staff will continue to monitor the situation. Mr. Hansen felt that further study without following the philosophy outlined would be a waste. Mr. Ball agreed that it was a philosphical issue rather than a monetary one. He said the veterinarians did not voice their opinions because they did not feel the City should be in the vaccination business. Councilor Holmer asked if the two issues should be split so that two separate votes could be taken. Mr. Hansen responded that the question revolved around the vaccination issue. He still felt that veterinarians would participate in a sign-up program if invited by the City. Councilor Schue said there was no way to determine if the pets vaccinated in the clinic program would have been vaccinated if the program did not exist. Mr. Whitlow commented that one statistic provided to the Advisory Committee was that the number of veterinarians in practice before and after the initi- ation of the clinic program was approximately the same. Roll call vote; the motion failed 5:3, Councilors Ball, Ehrman, Obie, Schue, and Wooten voting nay; Councilors Hansen, Holmer, e and Smith voting aye. MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 27, 1984 Page 7