02/20/1985 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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~ e e M I NUT E S Eugene City Council City Council Chamber February 20, 1985 Noon COUNCILORS PRESENT: Cynthia Wooten, Richard Hansen, Emily Schue, Freeman Holmer, Ruth Bascom, Debra Ehrman, Roger Rutan, Jeff Miller. Adjourned meeting of the Eugene City Council from February 13, 1985, was called to order by Council President Cynthia Wooten in the absence of His Honor Mayor Brian B. Obie. I. ITEMS FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AGENDA ADJUSTEMENTS A. Report from Legislature Councilor Schue introduced Elizabeth Cherry of the Intergovernmental Relations Department, who reported on the State sales tax and the effect of changes in legislation for tax increment districts. Ms. Cherry said a local option for a sales tax was never a viable component of the sales tax legislation in the Revenue Committee of the House of Representatives. It was not likely to be reinstated by the Senate. The committee had exempted local jurisdictions from the State sales tax. An election limitation for local jurisdictions had been included which would limit the City to only two excess levy elections in odd numbered years. Elections in even numbered years will not be effected. The proposed changes for tax increment districts will delay Eugene's ability to generate future income. Several councilors commented on the report. Ms. Schue said the City will have to consider the effects of the changes on the urban renewal area. Ms. Wooten said the City had planned to use tax increment financing in the development of the Riverfront Park. Mr. Hansen suggested the Council consider opposing the State sales tax when it is referred to the voters. He said the cities are bei ng "short-changed." Ms. Schue poi nted out the Ci ty can sti 11 effect the process of developing the State sales tax in the Senate Revenue Committee and in the Conference Committee. Mr. Holmer favored waiting to see what the House of Representatives will do when it considers the sales tax. However, he hoped the Council would make it clear the bill should be amended and resents the denial of home rule in matters of taxation. Ms. Wooten suggested letters expressing the Council's concern be sent to members of the Lane County legislative delegation. Ms. Cherry said she will convey the council's comments to the Lane County delegation. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 20, 1985 Page 1