HomeMy WebLinkAbout251022 WSMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Work Session
Eugene, Oregon 97401
October 22, 2025
12:00 p.m.
Councilors Present: Eliza Kashinsky, Matt Keating, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark,
Greg Evans, Lyndsie Leech, and Randy Groves
Mayor Knudson opened the October 22, 2025, Eugene City Council Work Session in a virtual
format.
1. WORK SESSION: Eugene Springfield Fire Governance Update
City Manager, Sarah Medary, introduced the topic and provided background on the Eugene-
Springfield Fire governance structure.
Councilor Discussion:
• Councilor Groves -stated the presentation clarified many complex issues; asked
whether the projected revenue for a new fire district included the current general
fund contribution; indicated Eugene Springfield Fire services have done
commendable work, but resources have not kept pace with population growth;
emphasized the need for a plan to address and right-size the department; asked
about public support for a new district; suggested community polling may be
needed.
• Councilor Clark -stated support for a single administrative structure to manage fire
services; noted the fire department has not grown in proportion to other city
services; emphasized the importance of prioritizing public safety; stated the fire
department needs more resources and a structure that supports its mission.
• Councilor Kashinsky -asked for clarification on whether both governance models
would eliminate the current dual administrative structure; asked how member fees
would be calculated under an intergovernmental entity (IGE) and requested a future
discussion on potential barriers to each option.
• Councilor Keating -asked how often Eugene-Springfield Fire responds to calls in the
Willakenzie Fire District and how potential state-level tax reforms might impact the
feasibility of a new district; expressed appreciation for the work of first responders
and leadership.
• Councilor Zelenka -stated the topic is complex and appreciated the effort to
simplify it; asked whether the additional revenue from a new district would result in
increased service; noted a new district would have its own elected board and that
City Council would no longer control fire service decisions; stated a new district
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Work Session
October 22, 2025 Page 1
could increase taxes without necessarily increasing service and could result in
revenue loss due to compression.
• Mayor Knudson -asked whether either governance model would affect the
community's wildfire protection; asked how differences in past investments
between Eugene and Springfield would be addressed in the process; indicated the
importance of understanding the financial and operational implications of each
model.
• Councilor Yeh -asked if a fire district would result in unequal tax burdens due to
the structure of the property tax system; stated that this is a longstanding issue.
• Councilor Groves -noted the current system allows for full interoperability between
Eugene and Springfield fire crews; stated the desire for autonomy is a key reason
some support a fire district; emphasized that the fire department has not grown in
over four decades and suggested a dedicated revenue source for the fire department
could be implemented before a new governance model is finalized.
• Councilor Zelenka -asked how revenue increases would be handled under each
model; stated a fire district would require voter approval for any new levies, while
an !GE could raise fees with city approval; asked about the value of fire department
assets and how differences in employee benefits between cities would be addressed;
stated the decision ultimately depends on the willingness of voters to support
increased funding.
• Councilor Evans -asked about the bonding capacity of an !GE and how operational
levies would work; noted the importance of addressing immediate needs; stated a
standardized fire fee may be more sustainable than a time-limited levy.
• Mayor Knudson -asked whether a new fire district would face the same long-term
funding limitations as the city; noted property tax growth has been below four
percent and that this would limit the district's ability to expand services over time.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:18 p.m.
Katie LaSala
City Recorder
(Recorded by Rosa Roach)
Link to the web cast of this City Council meeting here.
MINUTES -Eug ene City Council
Work Se ssion
October 22, 2025 Page 2