04/05/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The process for establishing a port district was described. First, the governing body is appointed by the Governor and then after an election within the district the persons serve on a rotating basis. Mr. Porter noted he had not seen the METROPORT proposal, but noted it had not been approved by the Economic Development Commission and there would be a public hearing April 14. A letter was sent to the Commission stating the City Council had taken no position on formation of a district and felt it premature to recommend whether or not one should be formed. If such a district included Eugene and Springfield, both those municipalities would have to give approval. Joyce Benjamin, City Attorney's office, said the City would have to adopt a resolution prior to the submission to the County Commissioners, similar 'to the process used in setting up the Wastewater Management Service District. However,the Boundary Commission would not be invoJved. e John Amundson, Chamber of Commerce, said he had heard from the Economic Development Commission that the letter received from Eugene had indicated a negative posture on the part of the City for development of a port district. However, he did not have a copy of the letter. Manager clarified that the letter said the Council had taken no position, but the consensus was not generally supportive. Mr. Amundson then reviewed for Council the concept of METROPORT. He reviewed the past efforts made by the Eugene-Springfield chambers of commerce who were most interested in trying to develop a viable economic alternative for the area. Alternatives were considered, including an ecomomic improvement district, an economic development district, and a port district. The group preferred the port district and continued to ~ pursue such a development. That proposal for a port district has been submitted to the Economic Development Commission as it was felt to be a meaningful direction to maintain a viable economic health for the commu- nity. Boundaries of such a district would b~ the Eugene-Springfield- Bethel School District boundaries. He said this area has an assessed value of $2 billion, with a projected budget of $159,550 for the first year (six cents per $1,000 tax levy). The maximum amount a port district can generate is $2.50 per $1,000.00; however, no port districts in Oregon have assessed even one-third of that amount. He noted there were 23 port districts in Oregon, with all being maritime and none being dry land, as METROPORT would be. However, he noted port districts were not a unique economic vehicle and cited there were 96 in the state of Washington. The proposal before the Economic Development Commission will be for a public hearing April 14. Upon approval by the Commission, the chambers will continue to pursue such a district and have it placed on the November ballot. It was felt the citizens should have the opportunity to select the manner in which they want economic development to be achieved. He noted the following members of the chambers of commerce available to answer questions: Ray Walder, Austin Ritchie, Wes Morgan, and Doug McKay. - 4/5/78--6 ~Iq