03/12/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Mayor Keller stated that at one time he understood that the County was not fulfilling its obligation, and then heard that the County would be funding this program until May 1980. He asked for clarification. Mr. Delay stated that under the current intergovernmental agreement, the two jurisdictions would split any deficit at the end of the fiscal year. It was hoped it would be a self- supporting program. The program, however, looked as though it would take about a $9,000 subSidy for the second year of operation. Last year, the Eugene Budget Committee adopted a budget approving an appropriation of $4,500 for any projected deficit; Lane County refused to show any support for the clinic, financially, politically, or any other way. However, the takeover is not happening at the end of this fiscal year, so it really could not be said that they have not participated. He further stated that all the City is doing is assuming respon- sibility for a program which the County does not support and the City does support. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to authorize the City Manager to enter into an intergovernmental agreement transferring the responsibility for.a low-cost spay/neuter program from the County to the City, effective May 1, 1980. Mr. Delay stated that this has been one program which comes near to self- sufficiency and thinks it is an incredibly good program. They have performed over 4,500 operations and given over 11,000 shots to cats and dogs. Due to a combination of a public education program, the spay/neuter clinic service, and more agressive enforcement there will be 5-6,000 fewer animals to be destroyed thi s year. ~ Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. VII. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCE RELATING TO TAX BASE ELECTION AND CHARTER AMENDMENT RELATING TO TAX LEVY LIMITS FOR YEARS 1980-81, 1981-82 FOR MAY 20, 1980, ELECTION Mr. Henry stated the Budget Committee has recommended these resolutions and ordinance because the City is required to have an election on a new tax base on May 20. Any ballot measures must be submitted to the Lane County Election Department by Tuesday, March 18, 1980. There have been discussions held regarding the possibility of requesting a high tax base. One of the reasons for requesting a high tax base is that State law says that all operating levies within the tax base are eligible for the 30-percent property tax relief program. This would avoid problems with an A and B ballot in that operating levies GS the B ballot would not be eligible for the tax relief. He stated that one main element in adopting a high tax base was to assure the public that the higher rate would not be implemented immediately. To accomplish this, he noted the charter amendment which establishes gross levy limits for successive years. $14 million and $16.5 million were proposed for the first two years and perhaps a third-year limit should be considered. He indicated that these maximums meant an austere budget could be approved each year by a two-thirds vote of the budget committee without going to the voters for approval beyond these yearly maximums. -- 3/12/80--9