Item B: Strategies for Long-Term Transportation Needs

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Potential Economic Impacts (continued) Consistency with Council Goals and Policies Other Jurisdictions' Experiences Policy Choices Households should feel little economic impact from the TUE The amount of the TUP is likely to be exceptionally low compared to other utility fees. For comparison, a local Eugene newspaper subscription is currently $1 L50 pCf month, and the avemgc Eugene residential wastewater utility fee is $13.00 per mouth. Ifimplemented,a transportation utility fee on a single family residence in Eugene would likely be less than $5 per month. Adoption of the TUF would be consistent with several COU:l.cil Goals and Policies. ..6..mong these are Jiinancial Management Goals Goal I: "To establish and sustain a community supported service system," and Goal II: "To have a capital improvement program that adequately maintains and enhances the public's assets over their useful life. " A TIJF would also be consistent "'Y1th Financial Management Policies, Section C: Revenue a.nd Collection Policies, Policy C.Z. "The City Council will establish cost recovery policies for fee supported services which consider the relative public/private benefits receive from the services being provided and/or the desirability of providing access to services for specialized populations. These policies will determine the percentage range of full service costs to be recovered through fees. The level of cost recovery ""ill be routinely adjusted to ensure that rates are current, equitable, and competitive and cover that percentage of the total cost deemed appropriate. " Finally, a TIJF would meet t..'le 1999-2000 Vision and Goals Statement, by aHo\ving continuing provision of a safe, efficient transportation infrastructure. Transportation Utility Fees have now been successfully implemented in eight Oregon cities, as well as cities in other states. Court challenges to TUFs in Medford failed in the 19905. No Oregon city has repealed a TUF once having established it In establishing and structuring a TIJF, the following policy issues are among those that should be considered. L The ordinance establishing a TIJ'F must declare a transportation utility exists a,'1d should list the systems elements. The greatest t1exibility will result from a comprehensive listing of system elements. '\-\-'hat transportation system element.e; are to be included in this definition of the transportation utility? 2. The ordinance also authorizes the type of activities on which TUF revenue may be spent Again, the greatest flexibility will result from a broad listing of eligible activities. Vv'hat activities should be included? . 3. Should the ordinance establishing the 'fUF have a sunset date? 4. How will the TIJF rates be adjusted to produce the necessary revenue; by ordinance, resolution Of administrative order? Should rates be adjusted annually or less frequently? 5. Hm;<,< will the counc.il, budget committee or other group be involved in rate-setting? 6. Should the TUF be referred to the banot or should it be adopted by action of the Cit"f Council? !. Should the lTE Trip Generation Manual or another means of estimating trips, such as required parking spaces, be the primary basis for assigning trip generation rates to categories of use of properties? 8. Should there be a credit for bicycle or transit use? How will this be applied? 9. Should heavy truck or other intense traffic generated by the property use be included in calculating the rate for a category of use, if the data is available? 117