Poll shows majority support for Victoria Community Center venue tax; council signals May ballot push

A city-commissioned poll of 300 registered voters found broad initial support for a proposed hotel and rental-car tax to plan, renovate and expand the Victoria Community Center, and several council members told staff they support moving the question to the May election.

The survey, presented to the Victoria City Council by consultants Jason Meyer of Cooksey Communications and Mike Bassalese of Bassalese and Associates, reported 61% support on the ballot question as read and 72% support after respondents were given additional informational statements. City Manager Jesus Garza told the council that the state comptroller had reviewed the project and determined it would have "no negative financial impact on the state," clearing an administrative hurdle needed to place a venue tax measure on the ballot.

Why it matters: A venue tax measure would create a new dedicated revenue source for planning and construction of a renovated Community Center; council members said the poll gives them confidence to move forward quickly and that timing affects when voters could decide.

Consultants gave details about methodology and findings. Mike Bassalese said the survey sampled 300 registered voters with a margin of error of plus-or-minus 5.7 percentage points and that half the interviews were by text/cell invite while half were conducted with live interviewers. "Having learned more about it, how would you now vote?" Bassalese asked, summarizing the approach that produced a 72% informed-support result.

Jason Meyer and Bassalese explained which informational messages best persuaded subgroups. Bassalese singled out several top-performing messages: that a renovated, flexible venue would attract more events; that improvements would provide better lighting, sound, restrooms and disability access; and that a new venue could generate economic activity that supports local services. He said message effectiveness varied by age, income and whether respondents recently attended an event at the Community Center.

Council reaction and next steps: Multiple council members expressed support for placing the measure on the May ballot. Garza told the council staff would need direction because the legal deadline to call the May election was Feb. 14; he said the council could call the election at its regular meeting next week if enough members agreed. Several members (four voiced support during the discussion) said they preferred the May election to a November option to accelerate the project timeline.

Garza and staff emphasized the poll is one step in the decision process, not a final authorization to spend; the council must still approve the exact ballot language, timing and any subsequent project design or financing decisions. Councilmembers asked about further metrics, particularly the economic-impact assertions used in some persuasive statements; city staff said those specific fiscal metrics are not finalized and that messaging to voters could avoid claims the city cannot document.

County engagement and funding: Councilmember Lofgren asked whether the county had been approached about financially contributing; staff said no formal conversation had occurred but that such talks were intended to take place as the process moves forward.

Timing and direction to staff: Garza asked for council direction by the end of the week if possible so staff could place a ballot-call item on next week's agenda; four members expressed support for calling the election in May. No formal vote was taken during the presentation; council members instructed staff to prepare the necessary documents and, if there was consensus, to include a ballot-call item at the next meeting.

What remains: If the council decides to call the May election, staff will present proposed ballot language, estimated project scope for the state comptroller review, and additional fiscal data for council consideration. Garza said staff will continue to collect metrics and recommended communication plans to accompany any ballot measure.

Ending: Councilmembers and staff agreed the poll provides favorable evidence of community support but reiterated that final decisions on timing, ballot language and any campaign messaging would return to the body for formal action.