Hanford council defers Hidden Valley park ballot measure to 2028 after poll falls short of two‑thirds threshold

The Hanford City Council voted unanimously on June 16 to delay putting a recreational funding measure before voters this November and instead directed staff to return with a campaign and engagement plan aimed at the November 2028 election. The decision followed a staff briefing and polling presentation on a proposed quarter‑cent sales tax that would fund park projects including completion of Hidden Valley Park.

Consultants from FM3 Research presented polling of roughly 400 likely voters showing about 63% overall support for the hypothetical quarter‑cent sales tax (20‑year duration) but noted that a special‑purpose sales tax requires a two‑thirds vote to pass. “The strongest level of support we saw at any point in the survey was 63%,” Nathan Henry of the Trust for Public Land told the council, and he recommended delaying the measure to build broader community engagement and, if appropriate, explore a citizen initiative path that would require a simple majority under current law.

Council members, staff and the consultants emphasized a mix of findings: voters ranked maintaining park bathrooms, safety, water quality, and youth and seniors’ programming among the highest priorities. FM3’s presentation noted the sample’s margin of sampling error was about ±5%, and consultants flagged that presenting additional background information tended to reduce, not increase, net support in the survey. The consultants also tested a $20 million bond alternative, which polled lower (about 48% yes).

Public comment reflected mixed views. Victor Shavrin Jr., a Measure H advocate, said the city should use two years to “develop an attack plan” and show residents what Measure H dollars produced. Resident Mark Prater urged the council to identify other funding options, including sale of surplus parcels and cash, and warned of the costs and difficulty of a citizen initiative.

Vice Mayor Nancy House moved that the council “do not proceed with the ballot measure and that we look forward to the November 2028 cycle and that staff come back to us with a plan in place for the next two years.” Mayor Kyres seconded the motion; it passed on a 5‑0 roll call.

By taking the yellow‑light approach, council members said, the city preserves options — a city‑led measure in 2028, a citizen initiative if coalition interest emerges, or other funding strategies — while allowing time to fund, educate and build a broader base of “definitely yes” voters. Staff will return with a recommended timeline, budget and communications strategy, and may propose modest appropriations to lay groundwork and evaluate a people’s initiative process.

The council’s action does not preclude citizens from pursuing a ballot initiative independently; staff noted the signatures and verification thresholds and timing considerations if residents elect to do so.

The council will consider staff’s proposed plan and any appropriation requests in the coming months as part of its budget and policy work.