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Consultants outline bilingual outreach for possible transportation bond; commissioners ask for clearer project list and postpone decision
Summary
Consultants recommended impartial bilingual outreach (direct mail, website, social media, virtual open houses) in case commissioners call a transportation bond; commissioners asked for clearer lay descriptions of projects and a finalized CIP and postponed any formal action to Aug. 27.
Consultants advising Caldwell County outlined a public‑information strategy Aug. 13 in advance of a potential transportation bond election. Will Conley (StructurePoint) and Jeff Barton and Cara Buffington (Gap Strategies) proposed an impartial outreach program that would explain projects, tax implications and voting logistics in English and Spanish by using direct mail, social media videos, a dedicated, mobile‑responsive information site, and in‑person and virtual open houses.
"Any kind of program would stay very clear of persuasion," Barton said, describing examples of mailers, short videos and timelines used in other Central Texas jurisdictions. The consultants said bond‑related communication is often eligible for reimbursement from bond proceeds if a bond passes and recommended coordinating with the county auditor and bond counsel.
Several commissioners urged clearer translation of technical terms into plain English and a finalized list of projects before the court acted. One commissioner asked that language such as "summit reconstruction" and specific deliverables be clarified so voters understand what they would be asked to fund; consultants agreed to provide more lay descriptions and adjust the project list.
After discussion the court voted to postpone formal action and return the item to the Aug. 27 session with a revised CIP and clarified outreach materials.
