County commissioners schedule 2  hearings on public safety

Lane County Commissioners will hold two public hearings on funding the county’s public safety structure.  Data from a recent public safety funding survey will be presented and community members will have an opportunity to give feedback.

“The board is aggressively looking at both short term and long term solutions and are taking this step by step,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Sid Leiken. “What it comes down to is what the citizens want, that’s why we’ve just done a comprehensive survey and are holding these hearings.”

January 29 & 30

The first public hearing begins at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29 in Harris Hall. The session will begin with a presentation to the Board of Commissioners followed by community input.  A second hearing is set for 9 a.m. the following morning 9 a.m., Jan. 30 at the same location. Following the public hearings on Wednesday, Jan 30, the Board will deliberate on the matter and may take action.

Officials say crime is on the rise in Lane County while in virtually every other corner of Oregon, it’s on the decline.  Despite this rise, jail bed capacity in Lane County is less than 20% of the state average and an even smaller fraction of the national average. The Board of Commissioners is considering whether a temporary, dedicated, property tax levy is the first step to addressing the immediate crisis, while Lane County continues to work on a long-term plan for a sustainable public safety structure.

Speakers will be asked to limit their public testimony to 3 minutes or less per person. Community members who wish to convey more information can submit their testimony to the Board in writing and then briefly summarize their views before commissioners. Those who attend as part of an organized group should consider appointing a spokesperson to address the Board on their behalf.

Written or email comments

Those who are unable to attend either public hearing can send their written comments to the Lane County Board of Commissioners, 125 E. Eighth Ave., Eugene, 97401 or via email to [email protected]. The Board would like to receive all comments before or during the hearings.