CC Minutes - 09/08/03 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Pap6 determined from Mr. Heuser he was not familiar with the funding details related to Measure 29. Mr. Pap6 requested more information. Mr. Heuser said that he would provide more details. Mr. Pap6 noted the successful passage of a transient room tax increase to fund tourism-related marketing. He thought the local area would benefit. Mr. Heuser noted that the bill created some preemptive language related to local authority. Seventy percent of any increase would have to be dedicated to tourism-related purposes; thirty percent could be used for other purposes. Mr. Heuser commended representatives Phil Barnhart and Pat Fart for their work in crafting definitions in the bill that allowed the Hult Center and Lane County Fairgrounds to qualify for the funding. Ms. Nathanson thanked Mr. Heuser for his efforts related to State legislation regarding police training, saying that it was necessary for the community to be able to integrate its local standards and needs into police training. She also wanted to eliminate duplication of cost and effort, noting that the State not only did not provide some types of training but required the City to use its facilities. Mr. Meisner also commended the local legislative delegation, saying it had been very helpful to Eugene. The delegation was unified in supporting the City's positions on almost all issues, and that support crossed party lines. Mr. Meisner said the increase in the transient lodging tax was not local but State-imposed. The one-percent increase would create and fund a State Tourism Commission. It would not be included in any referendum. In addition, the tax did not include restaurants. Ms. Taylor asked about Oregon's relative position in terms of the tax burden borne by its residents. Mr. Heuser said that Eugene's tax burden was fairly low among states, but he was unsure of the exact rank. Ms. Taylor asked Mr. Heuser if the reduction in the discount for early property tax payment would actually help. Mr. Heuser indicated he did not know. The details were being worked out by the State, and he understood that there was a legal challenge facing the legislation. He indicated he could provide some information developed by staff regarding the legislation. Responding to a question from Ms. Taylor, Mr. Heuser confirmed that nothing happened to the State kicker. It was possible it would be addressed in the special session. Mayor Torrey also commended Mr. Heuser and his staff and said they should feel good about what they had accomplished. Mayor Torrey noted that a legal validation bill was passed during the session. Such legislation would have avoided the legal costs incurred by the City during its attempt to install sewers in the River Road/Santa Clara area. Mayor Torrey commended the work of representatives Robert Ackerman and Pat Fart. Mayor Torrey regretted the legislation's failure to adequately fund education funding. He said that the legislature would not look at the true costs of educating Oregon's children, and the longer MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 8, 2003 Page 5 Work Session