Agenda Date: 06/25/2019
Subject:
Title
Potential Ballot Issues
Body
Presented By:
Mark Relph, City Manager
Tiffany Hooten, Finance Director
REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION:
Does council support a lodging tax and/or admissions tax be placed on the November 2019 ballot?
BACKGROUND:
At the January 25-26, 2019 retreat, council discussed long-term strategies for addressing capital needs. At the April 9, 2019 study session, as part of the "Proposed 2019-2020 Work Plan", council discussed the objective to identify and assess opportunities for funding capital needs, recognizing the city does not have a dedicated revenue source to address them. Staff provided information on a variety of options for each of these discussions and during the retreat, council worked through benefits and concerns, as well as participated in a brainstorming exercise.
Potential ballot issues were discussed at the June 11, 2019 study session. Council directed staff to provide additional information related to a lodging tax and admissions tax for further discussion for the 2019 election. Potential ballot issues for 2020 or beyond were noted for future discussion such as a sales tax increase, direct elect mayor, and city manager severance.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
Ballot questions take considerable time and preparation. Staff from multiple departments will need to work on the technical and statutory requirements as well as plan and implement any citizen education initiatives. For the best outcome, which would include, focus groups, and public education around an issue, staff will need direction tonight for a 2019 ballot measure. The table below outlines important dates for consideration. While some dates have passed or are nearing, it is important to consider the timeline.
DATE
ITEM
May 14, 2019
Preferred timing to receive direction to begin polling/education initiatives
June 25, 2019
Latest possible study session to provide direction to city clerk
Limits opportunities for polling/education initiatives
Au...
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