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Westminster council directs staff to pursue ballot measure to fund fire and streets; polling and rapid timeline authorized
Summary
Councilors agreed at a June 2 study session to pursue a ballot measure that would fund fire and street infrastructure, instructing staff to engage a polling firm (Magellan Strategies) and begin a rapid outreach timetable aimed at finalizing ballot language this summer.
Westminster city council on June 2 directed staff to pursue a ballot measure to raise revenue for fire and streets infrastructure and to begin polling and public outreach on a compressed timeline.
What council directed: After hearing staff analysis of capital shortfalls, council asked staff to engage a polling consultant and return with proposed ballot language and an outreach plan. Staff said the work could follow a rapid path that would require finalized language by late August 2025, or a more methodical path that would push finalization to August 2026.
Staff presentation and numbers: Staff reported combined annual gaps of about $18 million (roughly $9 million for fire and $9 million for streets). With the proposed roadway improvement fee reducing the streets gap from $9 million to $5 million, the remaining combined shortfall would be about $14 million annually, staff said.
Polling and consultant engagement: Staff briefed council on a recommended role for a polling firm to test voter receptivity and language. Council instructed staff to seek a short presentation from Magellan Strategies and to include polling of both sales tax and property tax options so the council would have a decision point. Staff reported a preliminary price range for polling and consultant support in the $8,000–$26,500 range depending on the scope and mode (text, phone, or mixed-mode).
Council debate and rationale: Supporters urged a rapid approach. “I do not want to kick the can on something that's life and safety to the next council,” Councilor DeMott said, linking the proposal to service levels for emergency response. Others recommended a more methodical outreach program and stronger education, citing the need for multi-channel paid outreach (mail, digital and in-person) to reach average voters.
Outcome and next steps: Council gave staff direction to proceed on a rapid path contingent on a polling decision point and asked staff to bring Magellan Strategies to a council session (staff targeted the next regular meeting) to review potential questions and timeline. Staff said the ballot combinations being tested may include sales-and-use tax increases and could also examine accommodation or marijuana tax options; staff noted that different tax choices change how much increases would be required to close the gap.
Quote: Staff summarized the challenge this way: “The gap that we're seeing for fires annually about $9,000,000 Streets is about $9,000,000 totaling 18,” underscoring why council considered a ballot measure.
Forward-looking: If council pursues a rapid timeline, staff said outreach and polling would have to occur immediately to meet an August 2025 deadline for ballot language; if the council prefers a more methodical path the timeline would extend into 2026. Councilors asked staff to prepare an outreach budget and flagged the importance of clear, repeated public education on safety and service impacts.
Ending: Staff will arrange a presentation by the recommended polling consultant, begin drafting polling questions and prepare a rapid outreach plan; council retained final authority to approve any ballot language and timing.
