MCOG readies voter poll on potential 1'cent transportation sales tax; legal question delays final survey

MCOG staff reported that the agency is preparing a voter-opinion poll with firm FM3 to test support for a possible 1'cent transportation sales tax aimed at funding local transportation infrastructure in the unincorporated area. The draft survey is complete but awaits a legal determination from county counsel on whether the ballot language and survey question can be directed solely at unincorporated-area voters, a step staff said is required before the instrument is finalized.

An MCOG representative said FM3 plans to administer the poll online and by phone; the consultant estimated 1'2 weeks for fieldwork to gather the data once the survey is finalized. If the poll and any follow-up focus groups proceed on schedule, staff said the consultant's final report could be ready by January 2026.

Board members discussed whether the survey should test multiple tax levels (for example, 1 cent, three-quarters of a cent or one-eighth of a cent) to identify the most viable approach. Staff said the current draft is focused on a 1-cent question but that additional variations could be added into the instrument.

The board also discussed possible paths to place a measure on the ballot: a board referral (which would require a two-thirds board vote to place the measure) or a citizen petition process that would require signature gathering and, if successful, a simple majority at the ballot box.

Why it matters: polling will inform the preferred tax level and whether to pursue a board referral or a petition drive. The legal question about targeted surveying of unincorporated voters must be resolved before fieldwork begins.

Next steps: MCOG is awaiting county counsel's guidance, will finalize the instrument with FM3, and move to fieldwork once legal issues are settled.