Council extends consultant contract to support possible sales-tax measure, approves $27,747

City staff proposed extending the contract with WBC Campaigns (Bill Berry) to maintain outreach, town halls and communication work in advance of a potential sales-tax ballot measure. Staff said the extension would allow continued town halls, utility mailers and targeted outreach through the next election cycle.

Staff described earlier polling that indicated roughly 78% support for a 1% sales-tax increase in initial, early-sample work, while a 1.5% increase showed narrower support (about 52% in early work), and cautioned that further outreach and polling are required to settle the proposed rate. City staff told council the extension request is for $27,747 to continue campaign support through the upcoming period.

Councilors debated whether a not-to-exceed cap should be included and discussed timing advantages of aligning a measure with higher-turnout elections. One councilor asked if the consultant had performed the outreach work already; staff said WBC had supported the town hall and produced online and printed materials already.

A motion to continue the contract for $27,747 carried by unanimous voice vote. Staff said the city will continue pursuing community engagement and refine the proposed tax rate before any formal ballot placement decision.