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Assembly authorizes staff to prepare ordinance for up to $50,000 for public information on potential ballot measures
Summary
The Committee of the Whole voted June 2 to have staff introduce an ordinance to appropriate up to $50,000 for public information about potential ballot measures and directed staff to prepare materials and guidance on compliance and outreach options.
The Committee of the Whole on June 2 voted to direct staff to introduce an ordinance at the June 9 meeting and a corresponding resolution for July 28 to provide up to $50,000 for public information about potential ballot propositions.
City Manager Kester briefed the committee on the issue, noting multiple citizen-initiated measures circulating at the time — including petitions for a seasonal sales tax, an exemption of sales tax on food and utilities, and a mill-rate cap. Manager Kester said staff must register with Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) and appropriate funds if the city wishes to run anything beyond fact-based, neutral information. "An exemption on food and utilities is about a $10 to $12 million hit to our budget," Kester said. He urged the committee that, without staff funding, the city’s ability to provide more than a neutral fact sheet is limited.
Why it matters
Citizens are circulating proposals that would materially affect the city budget and tax policy. Staff told the committee a municipal advocacy campaign requires a timely decision because ballot deadlines and campaign preparation windows are short. Manager Kester recommended introducing an ordinance next week to preserve the option and suggested contracting with an outside consultant for media, direct mail and digital outreach if the Assembly chooses to proceed.
Action taken
Assemblymember Wall moved for the ordinance authorization. After discussion and several members expressing reservations about using public funds for advocacy, the motion passed.
What staff said they would do
If the Assembly moves forward, staff proposed hiring a third-party consultant with experience in voter education to produce materials, run social and radio ads and perform direct mail outreach. If the Assembly chooses not to appropriate funds for an advocacy campaign, staff said they would continue to provide FAQs and respond to public inquiries but avoid proactive advocacy activities to remain in compliance with campaign finance and disclosure rules.
Ending
The committee’s direction preserves the Assembly’s option to spend public funds for a targeted public-information push and starts a timeline for drafting ordinance language; the Assembly did not yet adopt specific advocacy messaging.
