County income tax gets some support in hearing.

Byline: Matt Cooper The Register-Guard

Most citizens in attendance supported a first-ever county income tax for public safety, during a public hearing Wednesday held by the Lane County commissioners.

But the commissioners postponed until July 10 their decision on a fundamental question: Whether to enact the tax or put it before voters.

The commissioners are moving toward an income tax of as much as 2 percent annually - up from 1.5 percent in earlier talks - to raise $25 million for more public safety personnel.

About 25 people spoke during the hearing, and many of them said the county's public safety system has reached a crisis level that must be addressed.

"The concern in the community is sufficiently high that something needs to be done," said Lloyd Dolby of Eugene.

Members of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce's board and the League of Women Voters spoke in favor of the income tax, as did a number of people who have been through the public safety system or used its services.

But critics called the income tax proposal unnecessary - and unnecessarily complicated - and suggested other ways to raise the money.

Springfield area resident Karen Reid said a sales tax on take-out and other restaurant foods might be more agreeable to voters, but the commissioners didn't take up her suggestion.

The commissioners also plan to put an amendment to the Lane County charter before voters in November. The amendment would dedicate any income-tax revenue solely to public safety, reduce property taxes, establish a reserve for public safety services and cap the tax rate that the commissioners could adopt.

But the commissioners haven't decided whether to use their authority to enact the income tax, or to make it conditional on voters' approval of the charter amendment.

Commissioner Bobby Green said he likes the idea of tying the tax to approval of the amendment, because it gives the voters the opportunity to sign off on the tax: "If you vote for this charter amendment - and I hope you do - this (income tax) is what happens," he said.

But Commissioner Bill Dwyer disagreed, saying the board could paint itself into a corner if it ties the tax to the amendment and voters reject the amendment. Approving the tax despite the amendment's rejection would be a show of "arrogance," Dwyer said.

The commissioners are leaning toward an income-tax rate that would start at 1.4 percent, but may climb if the county loses critical federal funding in the coming years. The plan could include some form of tax relief for renters.

The county would use the income-tax revenue to combat illegal drug production, dealing and use, reduce family violence and enhance drug and alcohol programs and prevention.

WHAT'S NEXT The Lane County Commissioners may take final action on an income tax for public safety at 1:30 p.m. July 10 in the Public Service Building, 125 E. Eighth Ave., Eugene. Call 682-4203.

INSIDE Support: A former Eugene mayor says he favors a public safety tax/D3.