09/10/1985 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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, Mr. Miller said he was concerned with what he perceived to be a resistance to sheltering low-income citizens, noting that they probably would use the amount - of the tax for necessities. He said he also was concerned with those in the middle class and was comfortable with the fairness of an exclusion for everyone, which he thought still could raise the needed revenue. Ms. Ehrman said the same arguments could be used for a corporate tax, noting that the airport would benefit corporations much more than low-income citizens. Mr. Obie said there was a lack of consensus for that. Ms. Wooten suggested discussing in detail a proposal for a .5 percent income tax, including the airport at the $17.1 million figure, the library near $6 million, the Capital Improvements Program, which might include discussion of downtown and replacement of Federal Revenue Sharing money, a low-income exemption up to $5,000 with a graduated credit up to $7,500, no sunset provision, and a charter amendment on the ballot. She asked to see that information on the agenda at the meeting Wednesday night. Ms. Wooten said information in the handouts showed 32,860 in Lane County making $8,000 or less. About 22,000 made $5,000 or less. Mr. Whitlow said staff would try to get an estimate of the net income. Mr. Miller asked about an exemption for everyone, and staff said that would mean a revenue loss of about $2.5 million. Mr. Obie also requested that staff prepare information on the operating expenses of the library. Ms. Wooten noted that non-residents who were subject to the tax should get some type of credit for library card fees. e Mr. Holmer asked to see information on the number of individuals affected by the $5,000 exemption and the total number included. Mr. Hansen said he would like to do the poll by next Wednesday. Ms. Ehrman suggested waiting, until the sales tax vote had been taken. Members said they thought that would be too late. Mr. Obie said the objective of the meeting Wednesday night would be to set a pUblic hearing on what the package would contain. At the public hearing, the Council would then take action regarding putting the issue on the ballot, he said. Ms. Ehrman said she thought one week in between would not leave much time for a public hearing. Mr. Gleason said he thought the information could be prepared by tomorrow. Ms. Bascom said she thought a good publicity job had been done, and the agenda was on people's minds, so that the amount of time might be sufficient. Ms. Ehrman suggested discussing the effects of the tax on other governments such as Lane County and Springfield. Council members agreed to hold the next meeting on September 18 at 5 p.m. p.m. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council Revenue Work Session September 10, 1985 Page 9