05/16/1979 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. Mr. Obie said that a 7.6- or 8-percent increase in expenses is very reasonable, but 22.8- or 25-percent increase in property taxes is unreasonable. It is a difficult year with the Federal cutbacks to cities. He was concerned about people's ability to pay and felt the City should adjust backwards. We are preparing a minority report to present to the City before the deadline,he said. Manager reported May 22 at 5 p.m. the Council has to deliver their decision to the County concerning a ballot measure for the June election. Mr. Delay noted he would accept the Manager's proposal to cut the budget. He felt that the city was growing and that there was absence of any clear mandate to make that reduction. The 22 or 25 percent seems like a big number; that is why we need to seek another source of income, he said. We should give the people the opportunity to vote on a new revenue source. Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to accept the Manager's recommendations to further reduce the general operating funds with the exception of the two new Police positions. The motion carried 6:1, Mr. Obie voting no. The total reduction was changed to $224,040. Manager said that the Council could pass all the election bills unanimously or they could give first reading to all four and have a meeting Monday night to discuss the tax measures, hold a public meeting, distribute the information, and discuss in depth any of the measures. The Minority Report could be presented Monday night. ~ Mr. Haws left. e Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, for first reading at this time and schedule the second readings at a special meeting Monday, May 21, 1979, at 7:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Motion carried, all Councilors present voting aye except Mr. Obie voting no. Mayor asked the Councilors to be aware that the public needs to know if the Council decides that a 22-percent raise in property taxes are what they want. Then, the Councilors must be prepared to sell it. It will be a commitment of time. CB 1902--0rdering special election to be conducted by Lane County Election Department on the 26th day of June 1979, for purpose of submit- ting to legal voters of City of Eugene a measure authorizing the Eugene City Council to levy throughout the City $7,504,210 more in tax revenues than is now authorized by the Oregon Constitution, Article XI, Section 11 adopting polling places and providing for all acts necessary for carrying on election; and declaring an emergency was read by number and title only, there being no Council member present requesting that it be read in full. Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, that the bill be read the first time and held over to May 21 for second reading and final action. Motion carried 5:1, Mr. Obie voting no. 5/16/79--5 218