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City budget debate centers on proposed fire‑service fee as residents demand vote, council warns of cuts without revenue
Summary
Public comment and council discussion on April 14 focused on a proposed fire service fee to close a projected general‑fund gap; community groups urged repeal or ballot referral while council members said failing to adopt new revenue would necessitate cuts to multiple city services.
Eugene City Council discussion and a long public comment period on April 14 turned heavily to a proposed fire service fee the city says is needed to avoid roughly $11.5 million in general‑fund cuts. Opponents gathered tens of thousands of petition signatures to refer the fee to voters; supporters said the measure—or a similar revenue solution—is required to prevent layoffs and program cuts.
Why it matters: Council staff and several councilors described a range of planned reductions that would be necessary if the new revenue is not adopted. Speakers from business, nonprofit and resident groups said they prefer a public vote or a different, more transparent budgeting process; others urged immediate adoption to preserve services.
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