Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget Committee topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Applicants stress fiscal discipline and equity as Eugene's budget committee seats are interviewed
Summary
Four applicants for Eugene's budget committee highlighted fiscal discipline, housing pressures and equity during three-minute statements at the City Council work session on April 14, 2025. Council will not make appointments until June 9, 2025.
Four candidates for seats on Eugene's Budget Committee told the City Council on April 14 they would bring fiscal experience and different community perspectives as the city plans for constrained revenues.
Aiden Bassett, a young attorney who described his academic background in economics and law, urged the committee to adopt "sensible conservative allocation of taxpayer dollars" and to pursue strategic, realistic approaches to shortfalls as state and county budgets face deficits. "We are not dealing with the kinds of resources we have had in recent years," Bassett said.
Thomas (Tom) Boyette said his roughly 35 years of budgeting experience, including two decades in municipal budgeting and prior service as a school board member, make him suited to difficult tradeoffs. "Budgeting is policy making," Boyette said, adding that he favors fiscal discipline and practical, collaborative decision-making.
Cindy Hanks, who said she worked 34 years for the city of Ashland in accounting and finance, emphasized government accounting expertise, audits and familiarity with property-tax limits. DJ Kelly Quitachi described professional experience as a director of housing managing a $2.5 million housing budget and as a small-business owner; Quitachi said budgets reveal organizational values and stressed improving transparency and outreach so residents who cannot attend meetings can still participate.
The council began the April 14 work session by explaining that applicants would have three minutes for statements and that planning commission candidates would answer predetermined questions afterward. Councilors did not take appointments at the meeting; the council is scheduled to make appointments on June 9, 2025.
The applicants framed common concerns around constrained revenues, housing affordability, and the need for clearer public engagement about budget priorities. Several applicants also said the committee should help set priorities across the full spectrum of housing needs, from emergency shelter to market-rate production.
No formal questions or votes on appointments occurred at the session. Councilors will review applications and make selections at the scheduled June appointment meeting.
