Laserfiche WebLink
•Councilor Clark – asked what level of analysis was done on the possible negative repercussionsof a payroll tax; expressed concern that implementing the proposed tax could damage Eugene’srelationship with Springfield since it will affect non-residents who work in Eugene. <br />•Mayor Vinis – asked about the preliminary reaction of non-profits to the proposed tax. <br />•Councilor Zelenka – said it was counterproductive to reduce the discussion to only onerecommended option; supported further consideration of its effect on workers who don’t live inthe city, ways to make the tax more progressive, possible exemptions of reductions for non-profits and low-income workers, and tying the tax to economic prosperity. <br />•Councilor Semple – asked for information about the impact on the revenue generated if non-profits are exempted; said that everyone should contribute at some level to the costs ofimproved public safety. <br />•Councilor Syrett – spoke to the regressive vs progressive issue, noting that a flat fee isregressive; said public safety improvements will benefit everyone, including Springfieldresidents. <br />•Mayor Vinis – cautioned that many of the area’s largest employers are non-profits; said Eugeneis the hub of the region and carries a larger burden in terms of social service and public safetyneeds; said the process for arriving at the committee recommendation was faithful to councildirection. <br />•Councilor Clark – noted that residents of unincorporated River Road/Santa Clara don’tcurrently support public safety through taxes; encouraged further consideration of annexationas a potential revenue source; supported an increase to the transient room tax. <br />•Councilor Semple – agreed that there is a direct benefit to Springfield residents of improvedpublic safety services, particularly Eugene Springfield Fire service; supported an increase in theroom tax. <br />•Councilor Pryor – said the process included conversations with representatives from othercommunities; expressed concern about the ease of the mechanism for reporting and collecting;noted that if more people are brought into the population through annexation, the need forservice will increase. <br />•Councilor Syrett – suggested that more analysis would be needed if the council is interested inpursuing annexations as means to generate public safety revenue. <br />•Councilor Taylor – said that annexation of River Road/Santa Clara properties wouldn’t requireinfrastructure tax dollars, noting that money is currently being spent on public safety in that area. <br />•Mayor Vinis – reminded council that their goal for any new revenue source is to provide aseamless transition from the bridge funding. <br />Revenue Requirement <br />•Councilor Clark – suggested consideration of a revenue source that starts small and increases asneed grows. <br />•Councilor Zelenka – asked for more information about the components of the five percentinflation rate. <br />Payroll Tax Assumptions <br />•Councilor Zelenka – asked for information about the data on the percentage of agencies and thenon-compliance collection rate. <br />•Councilor Clark – noted that many who live in Eugene are part of the gig economy, consultants,or self-employed; asked what their impact would be on the tax assumptions. <br />Same Rate <br />•Councilor Taylor – asked if consideration was given to exempting those who make under acertain amount. <br />•Councilor Syrett – asked questions about the presentation of the data. <br />April 8, 2019, Meeting - Item 2A