Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ballot Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bozeman Study Commission votes to issue RFP for ballot‑education specialist and sets timeline
Summary
The commission authorized an RFP for a ballot‑education specialist to prepare voter education on proposed charter changes; the motion charges Commissioners Mike and Chair Carson to develop the RFP and recommend a candidate at the April 15 meeting.
The Bozeman Study Commission voted 4–0 on Feb. 18 to issue a request for proposals for a ballot‑education specialist to develop neutral voter education about an upcoming proposed charter change.
Commissioner Becky moved that Commissioner Mike and Chair Patricia Carson develop the RFP and bring recommendations to the April 15 meeting; Commissioner Barb seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Commissioners said the city’s communications staff and Working Ventures have produced initial outreach and that a specialty firm will be needed to craft non‑advocacy education and voter guides. Mike and other commissioners estimated typical contracts for this work run about $50,000, though costs can vary depending on direct mail or broader multimedia campaigns.
The schedule discussed would place an RFP in March with proposals due April 1 and a proposed contract start date of June 1 so the education program can run before the November ballot. Commissioners also debated whether the full commission should vet finalists or whether a subcommittee should screen candidates and present a short list; the motion charges Mike and Chair Carson with developing the RFP and a recommendation for the April meeting.
What’s next: staff will draft the RFP for the March publication and return recommended finalists to the commission April 15. Commissioners emphasized that any education work must be neutral and comply with reporting requirements for campaign activity.
