Your signature is valuable. Putting your name on any petition “just to get it on the ballot” is not good practice, and could even work against your own interests and values. That’s why the League of Women Voters of Lane County urges you to THINK BEFORE YOU INK.
Petitions that circulate to promote new laws and programs or repeal existing ones may not make clear all potential consequences and impacts. The League encourages Eugene voters to carefully weigh the issues that matter to you when asked to sign the local petition to place the recently adopted Eugene Fire Service Fee on the ballot.
If enough qualified city residents sign the petition by March 13, the measure will go to voters in an August or November election later this year. Voters would be asked to affirm or reject the fee. That vote would come after the City of Eugene must enact a balanced budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2025. Without anticipated revenues from the fire fee, adopted by the Eugene City Council Feb. 10, 2025, on a 5-3 vote, our local government faces an estimated $11.5 million shortfall.
The League of Women Voters of Lane County supports adequate urban services, but we have not yet had the opportunity to fully study and take a position on the Eugene Fire Service Fee. You know what is best for you. Look for factual, reliable information sources to help you understand how different outcomes could impact you, your family, neighborhood and community. Thank you for taking the time and effort to be an informed voter.
Terry Parker, Board President
president@lwvlc.org | Office 541-343-7917
Island Park Professional Center
175 West B Street, Unit E2, Springfield OR 97477