by KVAL / Wed, May 14th 2025 at 5:37 PM
Eugene residents spoke out earlier this week against the recently proposed budget which would see cuts across the board to community services and more.
Wednesday night, May 14, Eugene residents have the chance to comment again on the City of Eugene’s proposed budget.
That public comment period started at 5:30 at City Hall.
Monday marked the first time Eugene community members were able to speak to the City Council about the budget.
Over an hour worth of testimony was given related to the budget, speaking on issues like where funds were being appropriated, supporting the fire fee, and cutting community services like the library, community pools and more.
“By making these cuts it seems very much like the City is going the route of only allowing access to those that can afford it,” said one resident.
“Nothing expresses what is important to us as how we spend our money, and as we as a community discuss a budget we are discussing our values,” said another resident.
“From our work, it is apparent that the proposed fee was the best solution to the structural problem,” another added.
“I’m very worried, like a lot of my other community members here today, about the uninvesting from our services, the library, Amazon Pool, Greenhill,” said another.
Councilors didn’t say much in response following the hour of public comment, thanking residents for coming and speaking on their optimism for finding a solution in the future.
“There is a ripe opportunity for an alternative off-ramp that isn’t divisive, that finds ways to creatively embrace, save, and maintain the vital services that were so passionately underscored, italicized, and bolded tonight,” said Eugene City Councilman Matt Keating.
There will be continued public deliberation on the budget every Wednesday for the rest of the month.
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