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Rexburg police committee ramps up outreach for proposed facility bond after low turnout at initial events
Summary
Police leadership said the department will expand educational outreach for a proposed bond—scheduling more open houses, neighborhood meetings and an explanatory video—while stressing communications will be scripted and reviewed to avoid crossing from education into advocacy.
Assistant Chief Gary Hagen told the council on April 1 that a small turnout at an initial town hall prompted the police committee to broaden outreach for a planned police facility bond.
Hagen said the committee has scheduled additional open houses (April 23 and May 12) and a tentative Saturday town hall May 2; it is also producing an educational video and increasing social media engagement. The committee plans neighborhood meetings and is designing a direct‑mail flyer targeted specifically to Rexburg residents rather than mailing routes that reach county addresses.
Hagen said the committee and its consultants have prepared scripted, educational messaging and will have legal review so materials do not cross the legal line between providing information and advocating for a ballot measure. The department plans to use the video and mailers to show the public the department's space constraints and explain why a new facility is being proposed.
Council members thanked the department for using multiple engagement channels; one councilor noted community scrutiny around bond issues and urged caution in messaging. The committee said it will provide biweekly updates to council as outreach continues toward a vote expected within the next two months.
