CC Minutes - 02/25/98 Work Session

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Mr. Laue said the council goals and feasibility of programs would be considerations. Jim Carlson, Lane Council of Governments (LCOG), said today the council is being asked to affirm the "generic" list of topics without any details-those will be found in the other concurrent processes within the integrated time line. Ms. Taylor said she has found that the council committee system has actually increased her council workload. Ms. Taylor moved that the entire council serve as the Finance Committee. The motion died for lack of a second. Mr. Laue suggested limiting property tax for capital expenditures for core essential services, i.e., public safety, and introduce an alternate tax for other services. Mayor Torrey reminded the council that it is against adopted council policy to fund ongoing services without sustainability Addressing a question from Ms. Swanson Gribskov, City Attorney Glenn Klein said it is possible to offer voters alternate funding methods and show their impact on the property tax, but it may be necessary to have two measures that are contingent on each other. The Mayor noted that an expert on financing methods is scheduled to address the council in the near future. Mr. Meisner said he was prepared to support the list of priorities, provided restoration of services at some level is added. He cautioned against "overly" separating priorities, adding they need not necessarily be funded in that manner. Ms. Nathanson suggested inviting one or more members of the Governor's committee on tax reform to address the council, but said she was concerned that if the committee's proposals reach the public realm before the City had an opportunity to advance its strategy, it may negatively impact the City's ability to pass a measure. Mr. Tollenaar said the Governor's committee is looking at a $0 net impact-addressing tax reform specifically. Ms. Nathanson cautioned that the State's "rebalancing" of the tax load might influence the voter's response to the City's proposed alternative methods. Ms. Swanson Gribskov agreed with Ms. Nathanson, saying the governor's tax may draw a "knee- jerk" reaction from local voters. She said the committee should be monitored closely. Ms. Taylor expressed support for the Governor's committee and encouraged the council to consider a range of taxes to relieve the property tax. Mr. Meisner agreed with the comments from councilors Nathanson and Swanson Gribskov, saying the City should move ahead and not wait for State action. Minutes--Eugene City Council February 25, 1998 Page 3 11:30 a.m.