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Public testimony and staff proposals prioritize keeping libraries, pools, Sheldon Community Center and Green Hill open
Summary
Public commenters urged the committee to avoid cuts to Amazon Pool, Eugene Public Library, Sheldon Community Center, Green Hill animal shelter and neighborhood association funding; city manager outlined partial/full restorations possible under newly freed revenue.
Dozens of Eugene residents urged the Budget Committee on May 21 to preserve community services proposed for cuts, saying the services are vital to families, children and vulnerable residents.
Speakers described personal and community impacts from potential closures or funding reductions. "I ask you to consider the ways in which we can keep Amazon Pool as open as possible," said Chrissy Morrison, who recounted a lifetime of swim practices and lifeguarding at Amazon Pool. Jason Sides, who said he coaches South Eugene High School water polo, said the pool's closure would remove daily practice doubles that support the team's competitiveness.
Renee Buchanan of the Eugene Public Library Foundation thanked the committee for work earlier that day and urged a medium-term revenue solution rather than annual emergency measures. "We can't live without any of the city's services — fire, police, recreation, pools, library, animal services," she told the committee.
Animal-welfare testimony included a personal adoption story from Colleen Llewellyn, who said Green Hill helped a cat in poor condition and later found it a home. "Green Hill hung in there with it," she said, asking the committee not to defund the shelter.
Why it matters: Testimony linked recreation, library, preschool and animal services to early childhood development, public health and community stability. Multiple speakers also called for prioritizing alternative revenue sources and re-evaluating high-cost line items in other parts of the budget.
Staff recommendation and next steps
City Manager Sarah Maderi told the committee council action earlier in the day freed potential revenue that the committee could now prioritize. Maderi presented a list of restorations she recommended the committee consider, including full restoration of library hours, keeping Amazon Pool open, restoring Sheldon Community Center services and partially restoring the Green Hill contract and neighborhood support. Maderi recommended a mix of ongoing restorations (using the freed revenue) and some one-time funding for transitional needs.
Ending
Speakers asked the committee to preserve the "third spaces" that make Eugene livable for families and children. Committee members said more work remains and that motions will be formalized ahead of the May 28 public hearing.
