On May 1, the City of Eugene Budget Committee held its final meeting regarding Fiscal Year 2015 (FY15). After hearing public comments and discussing the issue, the committee voted to recommend that the City Council approve the budget proposed by the City Manager, with no changes.
This plan's effects on Eugene Public Library services would be: Bethel Branch of Eugene Public Library remains open; Sheldon Branch remains open for one year while options for future funding are explored; and as a cost-saving measure, the Downtown Library opens to the public for fewer hours on Sundays.
The Budget Committee also discussed and approved this motion offered by Counselor George Poling: “I move that the Budget Committee recommend that the Council appoint a committee to develop for Council consideration one or more options for a 5-year library levy, including an option that would restore the downtown and branch library services that have been cut in recent years. The ad hoc committee should include members of the Council, the Revenue Team and advocates, and should report back to Council in the first part of June.” If this course is pursued, this timeline would allow for the possibility of placing this question on ballot in November 2014.
The City Council will consider the proposed FY15 budget on Tuesday, May 27, 7:30 p.m., at Harris Hall in the Lane County Public Service Building, 125 East Eighth Avenue. Public attendance and comments are welcome at this hearing.