Throwing that first back to school party may end up costing one much more money in the long run — especially if Eugene police drop by the party and issue a first response warning notice.
The warning is part of the department’s special response fee, which holds residents financially responsible for repeated police response to parties at their home.
Under the ordinance, if police are called to a gathering of 25 people or more twice within 90 days — and at least two people are cited or arrested — those responsible must pay a special response fee. The fee, which cannot exceed more than $1,500 for the first violation, covers the total cost incurred by the city because of the response.
“Often times with students, money does work as a consequence,” said Miki Mace, administrator of the University substance abuse prevention program.
Since the Eugene City Council passed the response fee last Nov. 24, several Eugene residents have been given response fee warnings. Last year’s ASUO went to great lengths lobbying against the law, which they argued unfairly targeted students and was nothing more than a “sin-tax” to line city coffers. Eugene police have long maintained that their vigorous approaches to busting campus get-togethers are meant to stop underage drinking and prevent any repeats of the city’s alcohol-fueled riots of a few years ago.
Although police have never issued the fine, the response fee will be implemented on a regular basis when classes begin this fall.
“Every time we have the opportunity to use it we will,” said Lt. Carolyn McDermed, Eugene police patrol attendant.
But she added there are a couple of ways hosts can ensure their parties don’t get out of control.
“Invite a reasonable number of people,” McDermed said. “And remember that under the ordinance, if a party host calls the police before a neighbor does and requests help if things are out of hand, we can help.”
According to Sgt. Rob Olson, who serves on Eugene police’s campus detail, the special response fee does not apply to parties that the campus security service, Department of Public Safety, busts in the residence halls — it is restricted to residences off-campus only.
Students should, however, be careful where they choose to party, no matter where they live.
“When neighbors call and complain, that’s really when problems arise,” Olson said. “If students just use common sense and keep parties legal and under control, there should be no problems.”