Eugene City Council Evaluates Judge Gill's Performance and Approves Salary Increase

The Eugene City Council held a work session on July 16, 2025, focusing on key discussions regarding the evaluation and compensation of Municipal Court Judge Gill, as well as an overview of the library levy.

The meeting began with an executive session to review employment-related performance, allowing only media representatives and designated staff to attend. Following this, the council discussed the findings of the Judicial Evaluation Committee, which had been appointed to assess Judge Gill's performance. The committee included legal professionals and community members who provided valuable insights into the judge's work.

Councilors expressed their appreciation for Judge Gill's innovative approaches, particularly in implementing restorative justice programs that aim to alleviate issues within the judicial system. Councilor Groves highlighted the judge's problem-solving skills and the positive impact of his initiatives on the community. Other council members echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the judge's role in addressing everyday legal matters that affect residents' lives.

A motion was made to award Judge Gill a merit salary increase of two steps, raising his annual salary to approximately $191,817.60. The motion received unanimous support from all council members present, reflecting a strong consensus on the judge's performance and contributions.

The session also included a presentation by Library Director Angela Ocana, who provided an overview of the library levy that was renewed in 2020 with significant voter support. This levy is crucial for funding library services and addressing the digital divide in the community.

Overall, the work session underscored the council's commitment to recognizing effective leadership within the municipal court and ensuring continued support for essential community services like the library. The next steps will involve the execution of the salary amendment for Judge Gill and ongoing discussions about library funding and services.