05/27/1975 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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K. Legislative Subcommittee Meeting - Ms. Beal said the legislative subcommittee held a meeting and discussed jail standard bills and pending revenue bills. The committee reaffirmed its statement on revenue bills, that .it supports any bill which brings revenue to the city of Eugene. L. Transient Room Tax Allocation Committee's Recommendation to Approve Lane County Auditorium Association's Request for $32,500 Ms. Catherine Lauris and other members of the LCAA committee were present at the meeting to di~cuss the Auditorium Association's request for room tax funds, the matter having been deferred from the last Committee meeting.. Ms: Lauris said that the Association has asked the Room Tax Committee for $32,500, which is half of the projected budget for the next 12 months. The Association's own funds will be used in the same amount if needed. The funds are desired for the purpose of hiring an executive assistant and preparing an informal booklet with which LCAA can approach industries, foundations and the Federal government to request funds. They also want to update and refine the plans of the architect and maintain liaison with the city, County and the University of Oregon. They hope to have a formal contractual arrangement with one or all of the local governments. In addition, they anticipate getting 4-5 mi~lion dollars from nationwide sources. Ms. r,auris pointed out that, for the last 4 years, $1,250,000 has been "reserved for us" by the Federal government because this area is described as economically distressed, and jobs could be provided if the project were to go. This would be contingent upon a local match, which the Association has not been able to do. Their long-range plan is to raise $1,000,000 or more from local sources. Figures vary from $5.5 million to $8 million on the building. Innovations in construction could reduce the cost somewhat. Two years ago the design was cut back by 38% but inflation would give less building for the money. She pointed out, too, that in the past the Council had made a strong endorsement of the auditorium as a social and economic benefit. She also added it is not the Association's desire to ask for major local taxpayer support. Mr. Murray asked for a recap of the uses of the $32,500. He was told that the $32,500, plus an even match by the Auditorium Association, would go for salaries, rent and utilities, travel, architects fees, and supplies for a total budget of $65,000. Projected costs for the second year would be $61,000 and $57,000 the third year. $20,000 of the total $65,000 will go for architect fees to update the auditorium plans. Mr. Murray asked what assumptions .would be made by the Association of the City's willingness to provide room tax funds for a 3-year period, if the funds were provided this year. Ms. Lauris answered that the Association is taking it one year at a time. In answer to a question by Mayor Anderson, it was clarified t}~t the Association's funds would be used dollar for dollar with the room tax funds, as opposed to using room tax funds first and then Association funds if needed. Mr. Haws said he was in favor of the auditorium but concerned about the amount and the whole room tax allocation procedure. He wanted to at least table the matter until a discussion could be held in that regard. Mr. Murray moved seco,nded by Mr. Keller to approve the recommendation of the $32,500 contribution to Lane County Auditorium Association. Mr. Murray stated it has always been his position to favor the auditorium, and room tax funds seem an appropriate means of financial aid. He felt the public would not entertain another ballot measure for the project. He saw this method of relying on private initiative as highly satisfactory. Vote . was taken on the motion which carried, all Council members present voting aye except Mr. Haws voting no. 5/27/75 2..~1 Comm approve 5/21/75 e e Comm approve .5/21/75 . 14