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Township tables $15–$20K polling proposal on conservation-finance options
Summary
Staff sought authorization for a professional public opinion poll to test options for conservation finance (EIT increase, bond amounts); commissioners debated methodology and cost, an initial motion failed for lack of a second, and the board later voted to table the item pending additional information.
Township staff asked the Board of Commissioners on March 5 to authorize a professional public-opinion poll, priced at about $15,000–$20,000, to test options for a conservation-finance program such as an earned-income-tax (EIT) increase and potential bond amounts. The board did not authorize contracting at the meeting and instead tabled the item for further information.
Long-range planner Chris Stroller told the board the polling would help refine possible mechanisms and “hone in” on amounts — for example, what EIT increase voters would accept or what bond size could be feasible — and that polling firms provide statistical sampling and question design. Staff noted Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion and Trust for Public Land–aligned firms quoted similar ballpark prices.
Several commissioners questioned the value and methodology of professional phone/mail polling, worried about response rates and inclusivity, and suggested lower-cost outreach alternatives. One commissioner recommended gathering straw responses at upcoming community events and using online surveys or postcard outreach to supplement staff outreach. A public commenter, John Chay, urged that the township create a clear value proposition for voters if a tax increase is proposed: “Public education is the most important thing,” he said.
An initial motion to authorize the manager to execute a polling contract failed for lack of a second. After further discussion the board voted to table the request and asked staff to return with additional information about methodology, options for staff-developed surveys, and comparative experience from other municipalities.
Next steps: staff will return with follow-up information and possible alternative outreach options before the board takes a final vote on professional polling or ordinance language.
