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Special District White Paper <br /> Once a range of transition strategies has been reviewed, the City Council could decide upon the <br /> preferred strategy. This might be implemented by a contingent resolution describing anticipated <br /> changes in the affected City services. Upon formation of the district, the city could implement the <br /> changes described in the contingent resolution. <br /> Special District Alternatives for Eugene by Type of Service <br /> A necessary step in considering the use of a special district is the decision as to which district <br /> alternatives are available to deliver a particular service. Each alternative may have somewhat <br /> different implementation requirements that should be examined. A number of services are <br /> discussed below; special districts might provide other services as well. In the discussion below, we <br /> assume that a permanent maximum property tax rate will be proposed for the district if one does not <br /> currently exist. <br /> Library Services <br /> A library district or a county service district may provide library services. Both the Cities of Eugene <br /> and Springfield now provide library service, funded by their respective general funds. Two library <br /> districts, the Fem Ridge Library District and the Siuslaw Library District, currently serve separate <br /> territories outside the metropolitan area. Library district territory need not be contiguous. Any <br /> proposal would be under Boundary Commission jurisdiction. <br /> Special district library services within Eugene could be provided by: <br /> • Forming a new single- purpose library district: an election on formation and permanent maximum <br /> tax rate would be required subject to double majority requirements since permanent maximum <br /> tax rate would be proposed. <br /> • Annexing to Fern Ridge or Siuslaw library districts: no election would be required except upon <br /> submission of opposition petition, and it would not be subject to double majority requirements. <br /> • Expand the purposes of the Metropolitan Wastewater Service District to allow the provision of <br /> library services: an election on permanent maximum tax rate would be required, subject to <br /> double majority requirements because permanent maximum tax rate would be proposed. <br /> Ownership and operation of Eugene City library assets will be a very important concem due to the <br /> more than $34 million investment being made by City of Eugene taxpayers and citizen contributors <br /> in the new City library. Facilities could be retained by the City of Eugene and operated by the district <br /> under an intergovernmental agreement or an outright lease, or operated by the City under contract <br /> with the district. District boundaries could extend countywide, be contiguous with the 4J, Springfield <br /> and Bethel School Districts, or be contiguous with the City boundary <br /> Park and Recreation Services <br /> A park and recreation district or a county service district may provide park and recreation services. <br /> Eugene has significant expenditures from the general fund for park and recreation activities. <br /> Springfield does not provide park and recreation services. Two park and recreation districts now <br /> exist in the Eugene - Springfield metropolitan area: River Road and Willamalane. Park and recreation <br /> district territory need not be contiguous. Any proposal would be under Boundary Commission <br /> jurisdiction. <br /> j <br /> Special Districts Paper - Final 11- 8- 01.doc Page 24 of 41 <br /> City Council Agenda page 48 <br />