Item 2F: Ratification of IGR Committee Actions

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2.Approval of Minutes (1/28/09, 2/4/09 and 2/11/09) Ms. Ortiz, seconded by Mr. Poling, moved to approve the minutes of the January 28, February 4, and February 11, 2009 CCIGR meetings. The motion passed unanimously, 3:0. 3.Review Pending Legislation HB 2473-Relating to real estate transfer taxation. Ms. Wilson noted that City staff had recommended the CCIGR assume a Priority 2 support position on HB 2473, a bill permitting counties to impose a real estate transfer tax if those tax revenues were dedicated to affordable housing programs. Ms. Taylor noted that she would be willing to support the bill if the affordable housing program restrictions were removed. Urban Services Manager Richie Weinman, responding to a question from Ms. Taylor, noted that attempts to impose a real estate transfer tax at the city level had at one time been pre-empted by the state legislature. Ms. Taylor asked if it would be possible to support the removal of the pre-emption to have a real estate transfer tax and that maintained that any such real estate transfer tax not be earmarked to any one particular concern such as affordable housing programs. Ms. Ortiz noted that she would not support the removal of the affordable housing program restriction regarding HB 2473. She maintained that the bill as drafted was a good way to infuse badly needed funds into low income housing programs. Mr. Weinman believed that the bill as currently drafted did not stand a good chance of passing. Ms. Piercy noted that she supported the bill as currently drafted. Mr. Poling agreed with Ms. Ortiz’s earlier comment and did not support the removal of the affordable housing program restriction from the bill. Ms. Taylor stated that funds from a real estate transfer tax should be used for a variety of things, but noting a lack of support for her position confirmed that the CCIGR would continue to adopt the Priority 2 support position recommended by staff. HB 2461 - Relating to prevention, treatment and recovery tax; appropriating money; prescribing an effective date; providing for revenue raising that requires approval by a three-fifths majority. Ms. Taylor maintained that the CCIGR should adopt an opposition position with regard to HB 2461 and believed it constituted a tax upon an industry that was vital and unique to the state of Oregon. She stated that she did not believe in sin taxes and that the tax might be detrimental to Oregon home brewers. MINUTES—Council Committee on Intergovernmental Relations February 25, 2009 Page 2