05/21/1979 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Judith Saccett, 2169 Brittany, urged defeat of the business gross receipts tax because the voter will be confused by its purpose and might feel that it would be a relief to property tax. She urged it ~ not be put on the ballot. ,., Deryl Huling, 2200 West 7th, president of the New Car Dealers Associa- tion, noted with the competition of his business, the cost of book- keeping, the gas shortages, the public riding of mass transit, the car dealer is at a disadvantage. He would urge defeat of the business gross receipts tax. Tom Hoyt, 460 Palomino Drive, noted the defects in the gross receipts tax and urged its defeat. He felt that policing would be a problem. Also, the problem of liens on property when citizens did not pay their gross receipts tax was noted. He likened the hearing process to a kangaroo court (three paid by the City and two citizens-at-large). Either party could appeal to the City Council. He felt that City Council would be a permanent hearing body. He urged defeat of the gross receipts tax. As to the transfer tax, he noticed that there were statutes that are indicators of the value of property. This was passed when the Federal Stamp Act was repealed. He urged defeat of both measures. John Hollingsworth, 1067 Cinnamon, supported the minority report. Hugh Johnston, 633 East 11th Avenue, Lane County Medical Society, urged defeat of the gross receipts of business tax. He noted the differences in overhead costs for different doctors. He felt that these taxes would be passed on to the sick. ~. Richard F. Freeman, 1140 West 6th Avenue, urged defeat of both taxes and referred to the Chamber of Commerce presentation. George Boehnke, Lane County Printers Association, asked the Council to reject the tax measures until they can be studied and considered at a later date. He noted how difficult the gross receipts tax would be to police, citing the example of Portland. Gerry Allenbaugh, assistant administrator for Sacred Heart Hospital, was not clear where a non-profit hospital would be taxed under the gross receipts tax. The additional expense to Sacred Heart Hospital would amount to $82,000 to $87,000, which would be passed on to the patient. They felt this sort of tax was not appropriate. James Reinmuth, 580 East 40th Avenue, opposed the business gross receipts tax as inflationary. It would boost the local inflation rate .05 to .1 percent on top of one of the highest inflation rates in the U.S. (12 percent). He noted Eugene has a delicate economic base. In the last 15 years, the area has added 80,000 people, 30,000 . 5/21/79--6 Z8~