Poll shows majority support for South Shore fire‑station bond if voters are informed; staff to continue education and re‑poll in early 2026

City‑commissioned polling shows majority support for a bond to replace the South Shore fire station if voters receive concise, outcome‑focused information, and staff plan additional outreach and a follow‑up survey early next year to guide whether to place a measure on the 2026 ballot.

FM3 Research partner Miranda Everett presented results at the July 15 council study session. The firm surveyed a representative sample of 410 likely November 2026 voters and reported an initial, brief‑caption test (the title and caption voters would see on the ballot) produced 54% net support with 28% saying they would definitely vote yes and 20% definitely no; about 10% were undecided.

Everett told the council that giving voters a short, plain‑language description of the project — listing intended outcomes such as earthquake‑safe construction, dedicated decontamination for firefighter safety, living quarters sized for increased staffing and community space — increased support to roughly 59% and raised the "definitely yes" share from 28% to about 35%. "With this information, we do lift support substantially. From 54% yes initially to 59% yes," Everett said.

The poll tested household price points (annual household tax amounts) as a complement to testing the overall bond size. Respondents were more responsive to household cost framing: two‑thirds were willing to pay $100 per household per year; support fell as the hypothetical household levy increased. Everett said that voters often react less to large aggregate bond totals and more to a clear, relatable household cost figure.

The research also tested messages. The most persuasive communications emphasized concrete outcomes: reduced emergency response time impacts on life‑saving medical response; the station’s age and deteriorating condition; and firefighter safety measures such as decontamination to reduce exposure to carcinogens. Opposition messaging focused most effectively on the cost‑of‑living/tax concerns.

Deputy City Manager Madison Theesen and Assistant Fire Chief Christine Artman told councilors staff will continue an education campaign — public tours, outreach at community events, fact sheets and short messages that focus on the few outcomes that the poll showed are most persuasive. The city is not in a campaign mode; staff described current work as public education. The city plans another poll in early 2026 to test whether outreach has moved swing voters and to inform whether the council refers a bond measure in May or November 2026. Staff noted timing tradeoffs: a May 2026 bond would allow earlier construction start if approved; a November 2026 measure would delay construction by about a year if approved.

Council discussion emphasized balancing a fiscally prudent package and building a station that meets the department’s needs for the next several decades. Several councilors urged staff to present options (what the station would include at different price points) and stressed the importance of depicting the station’s current condition and the consequences to response times if the existing facility were disabled by an earthquake.

No referral vote was taken at the July 15 meeting; staff will continue education and outreach and return with updated polling results and recommended timelines as the process continues.