Council discusses placing fluoridation on ballot; cost and timing under review

The Crowley City Council discussed placing a local fluoridation proposition on the ballot and reviewed the legal and cost implications of holding a special election versus adding the item to a fall election.

Mayor Maslow summarized legal threshold requirements cited by city attorney Michael Landry: if a water system serves more than 5,000 people, a public vote is required to add fluoridation. The council discussed prior investigation into placing the proposition on a May ballot but noted a standalone May election would have cost the city an estimated $28,700; because there were no other elections on that date the city opted not to proceed at that time. The council discussed two later dates — October 11 and November 15 — and said they would seek cost estimates for each date and pursue Secretary of State approval of a proposition if the council decides to proceed.

Council members asked that voter information accompany any ballot measure. Alderman Ashby asked whether the city would provide explanatory materials so voters would understand what the vote would do; the mayor and staff said the city would provide advertising and informational notices. Separately, a council member remarked that some workers who add fluoride to water wear protective equipment; that detail was presented as part of the conversation but no formal finding or policy change was recorded.

No final decision to place the proposition on a specific election date was recorded at the meeting; staff were directed to get cost estimates and proceed with notice and Secretary of State approvals if the council formally decides to place the measure on an upcoming ballot.