Commissioners discuss survey deadline, possible advisory election on energy projects after 2,000 responses

Commissioners discussed setting a firm deadline for a county survey about local energy projects after staff reported roughly 2,000 responses are in. The discussion covered advertising to boost participation, a proposed July 1 deadline, and the possibility of a nonbinding advisory election to capture public sentiment.

Staff and commissioners said the survey’s original target had been about 4,000 responses; commissioners asked staff to confirm advertising plans and whether the consultant, Josh Allen, would extend the survey if responses fell short of the goal. One commissioner said an extension could be granted if the first deadline produced insufficient results.

Commissioners also raised multiple logistical and legal questions about holding an advisory election: who would be eligible to vote (landowners, renters or registered voters), how many polling sites would be needed, the county’s ability to staff and verify ballots for a nonbinding exercise, and the expected cost. County staff cautioned that the county cannot certify results of an election that is not legally binding and that running a special election would require substantial administrative work.

Several commissioners questioned whether a special election would yield materially different results from targeted outreach and advertising for the survey, noting turnout in special elections can be low. The transcript records no formal motion to hold an advisory election; commissioners directed staff to follow up with the consultant on advertising and to recommend a deadline for the survey.