Commissioners discussed whether to conduct upcoming March referenda as a citywide mail-in ballot election or as a traditional in-person election. Candace provided cost estimates and deadlines: staff estimated roughly $480,000 for a mail-in ballot approach and about $80,000 for an in-person election if all precincts are opened; commissioners and staff cautioned both options require outreach and impartial messaging.

One commissioner argued a mail-in approach would be expensive and likely yield low return rates; the mayor estimated a high turnout might be 6,000 returns but more likely about 4,000. Commissioners favored a neutral city-led voter education program and agreed staff should circulate the ballot language now for any tweaks because the ordinance already includes the language and changes would require reopening the item.

The commission discussed marketing and outreach options (social media, mail, newsletters) and agreed that a focused education push in the 10 days to two weeks before the election would be important. Staff said they would send deadlines and ballot language to commissioners for review.