CC Minutes - 01/21/98 Work Session

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Mr. Tollenaar moved, seconded by Ms. Nathanson, that the rates advisory committee confer as needed with the CClPS. Roll call; the motion passed, 7:1; Ms. Taylor voting no. Mr. Tollenaar, seconded by Ms. Nathanson, that the council waive residence requirements for the Homebuilders Association representative. Roll call; the motion passed unanimously, 8:0. B. Work Session: Non-General Funds Forecast Ms. Elmer introduced the item. She reminded the council that it had several questions about non-General Fund reserve levels during its deliberations on the Ballot Measure 50 reductions. She said that the council received a report on those reserves in September 1997, which was included in the meeting packet. She said that the report outlined several follow-up steps, which included analysis of internal service fund rates, reserve levels, and the Bancroft Fund reserve level, review of the Stormwater Fund, and review of the City's Parking Fund and six-year forecasts of major enterprise and revenue funds. Ms. Elmer said that the staff had prepared the forecasts for the council's review. Ms. Elmer indicated that the council would receive ongoing financial forecasts about the City's different non-General Funds. Sue Cutsogeorge, Administrative Services Department, reviewed the assumptions behind the forecasts. Ms. Cutsogeorge reviewed the status of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Fund. Responding to a question from Mr. Farr, Ms. Custogeorge said that there were approximately two months' reserve targeted for most City funds; staff targeted a higher amount for the EMS fund, which contained three months' reserve. Ms. Nathanson asked about the City's propects of taking advantage of enabling State legislation allowing municipalities to take an entreprenuerial approach to service delivery and realize additional income. Ms. Cutsogeorge said that staff had not investigated the impact of the legislation, although it continued to consider different ways to increase revenues in the fund. Ms. Nathanson said she would like to know more about such opportunities. Mr. Meisner asked if the EMS fund maintained large reserves because of a lag in the receipt of revenues. Ms. Cutsogeorge said no; ambulance billings occur as service was provided. Mr. Meisner asked how staff knew beforehand they were responding to a nonemergency and did not need an emergency vehicle. Mr. Bass said that the City's ambulance service provided scheduled nonemergency transport services. Scott Luell, Planning and Development Department, discussed the status of the Parking Fund. Mr. Meisner said that he heard complaints from citizens that parking rates were artificially Iow, do not cover capital costs, and subsidize those who drive downtown. He asked how rates were set and how capital costs were recovered. Mr. Luell said that parking was subsidized in that to charge the cost of debt on a per space basis would be $100 to $150 month for a space. He said MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 21, 1998 Page 6 11:30 a.m.