08/12/1992 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

-- ------- - - - -- ----- -- --- e Ms. Bascom raised the issue of the Convention and Visitors Bureau contract (Component 38C) and asked the council what elimination of the contract meant. She pointed out that the tourism industry in the county is growing and Eugene had an opportunity to take advantage of the growth in tourism. Ms. Bascom pointed out that the survey feedback did not support elimination of the contract. Mr. Robinette moved, seconded by Ms. Bascom, to drop Component 38C from the draft strategy. Mr. Robinette offered as the proviso to the motion that the council's options may change based upon County action. Mr. Miller said that City will need to act independently as it resolves its budget crisis while maintaining its partnerships with other jurisdictions. Ms. Ehrman asked if the Transient Room Tax Fund was part of the General Fund. Mr. Wong said that for budgetary and accounting purposes the fund was sepa- rate. However, the funds can be expended for most General Fund purposes, with the exception of such services as public safety. Mr. Nicholson suggested the possibility of retaining the component with the understanding that it would be addressed through discussion of new revenues. Ms. Bascom cautioned the council not to lose sight of the opportunity present- ed by the tourism industry in its proposal for a room tax increase. She e favored keeping the City's options open. Mr. Green endorsed Ms. Bascom's comments. However, he said that he wanted to take the advice given to the council by the State legislature to move forward to address the City's budgetary problems. Mr. Robinette said that the City would not eliminate the contract if it did not get County funding. Mr. MacDonald said that the County's meeting regarding the room tax increase was not conclusive. He did not think the City had anything to lose by "playing ball" with the County. Mr. MacDonald pointed out that tourism industry was proposing to raise the tax, and he believed that eventually the County would approve the idea. He favored the motion in that context, saying that the City was not making a commitment but simply exploring its options. Mr. Nicholson said that as long as the Convention and Visitors Bureau is effective it deserves public support; however, he was reluctant to enter into any agreement that would remove the accountability of the bureau to the public. Mr. Boles suggested that it was better to drop the component to indicate the council's continued support for the bureau while discussions regarding a room tax increase occur. e MINUTES--City Council Work Session August 12, 1992 Page 4 5:30 p.m.