The Eugene City Council Monday heard the resultsof a community engagement effort on public safety priorities.
The council is working to prioritize allocation of a new payroll tax for public safety. A majority of survey respondents wanted alternative responses to people in mental health crises. Councilor Claire Syrett said more funds could go to CAHOOTS. But the follow through is missing.
“We are sorely lacking in places that people can get respite, where they can get temporary protective response while they are having an acute mental health crisis,” Syrett said. “It doesn’t exist in our community.”
Emergency shelter and stable housing for people who are homeless was the highest priority for survey respondents. Councilors wanted more time to review the information. They’re facing pressure from some community members to defund the police.
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