Item 5: Ratification of IGR Actions of Feb. 27, and Mar. 6, 2013

Home Browse Search

latest. Based on the CPI-U, inflation since 1999 is at 173%, meaning that $5,000 in 1999 equates to approximately $8,650 today. Since the last update occurred at least 14 years ago, it is assumed that another increase would not be likely to occur for some time. From this perspective, it makes sense to increase the limit on small procurements to account for past and continuing inflation. Raising this limit would result in an increase in staff efficiency, allowing employees across the organization to focus their purchasing efforts on larger, more complex procurements that have a significant impact on the community. We believe this proposed legislation to be significant, appropriate and a valuable tool to allow staff to effectively manage their time while still acting as good stewards of public funds. HB 2212 would adjust the threshold amount for small procurements for inflation, reducing processing and increasing purchasing efficiency for small procurements, with the result of saving the City time and money Recommendation: Priority 1 Support HB 2455 : Broadens types of communications services on which municipalities may impose privilege tax. Modifies privilege tax rate imposed on gross revenues of st communications service providers. Takes effect on 91 day following adjournment sine die. Relating to: Relating to privilege taxation of communications services; prescribing an effective date Sponsored by: Staff Comments: Priority One Oppose as introduced, sponsored by Comcast. On 2-25-13 the LOC informed Eugene their understanding that the current text would be entirely deleted and replaced with LOC-referred text by its Mar 1 hearing. However, as introduced the bill is a pre- emption of muni authority on many fronts; public right of way (ROW) use compensation, taxation, gross revenue and service setting, and the pre-emption of construction permit fees. The bill also contains a __ blank space whereby Comcast would insert a maximum allowable rights of way use fee at an assumed lower amt than Eugene (which is in line with other cities) has historically charged for commercial ROW use for decades. None of Comcast’s desired pre-emptions are supported by any federal or state law or policy, nor any judicial decisions. In fact, HB 2455 flies in the fact of Oregon judicial decision that ruled in favor of municipal authority to enact Code updates such as the City of Eugene City enacted in 1997 consistent with the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996. HB 2455 is an unwarranted end run around Congressional intent, judicial decision and municipal authority under Oregon Home Rule constitution. HB 2455 as introduced would cripple Eugene’s General Fund compensation baselines to which ROW use fees are allocated, likely with an annual multi-million dollar adverse impact. Recommendation: Priority 1 Oppose HB 2702 : Establishes process for Oregon Liquor Control COmmision to adopt rule declaring alcohol impact area upon petition by municipality. Establishes processes for granting exemptions and for review of rule. Declares emergency, effective on passage. Relating to: Relating to alcohol impact areas; declaring an emergency 2 | Page February 27, 2013 IGR Committee Meeting