Commissioners split on placing local sales-tax increase on November ballot; motion to delay until third-party sponsor succeeds 3–2

Commissioner Walker moved on June 15 that the county not place a proposed local sales-tax increase on the November ballot unless a third party agreed to lead voter outreach and education. Walker said the county cannot spend public funds on advocacy and that a third party willing to fund advertising and outreach would improve the measure's chance of success.

"I think for myself, I want to make a motion today that we not have that on the ballot until a third-party step[s] forward that is willing to do that," Walker said, urging a third-party driven education effort before placing the question before voters.

County legal staff cautioned commissioners about the line between education and advocacy. "You can use staff time and money to educate. What you can't do is ... put up billboards to say, 'Vote for this,'" legal staff told the board, adding that officials can present factual information at civic events but must avoid advocating for a specific vote.

Commissioners were divided in public comment and in their field outreach; some members said they had heard substantial opposition among voters and did not want to proceed without stronger community support, while others argued voters should be given the choice. The motion to delay placement until a third-party sponsor emerges carried 3–2 on the record.

Later in the meeting commissioners discussed and briefly moved on a procedural resolution required by the state board of elections to place the question on the ballot, but the transcript shows disagreement about whether the board had already completed the procedural step and how to reconcile prior votes. Staff said the board has until the end of August (and that municipal scheduling may affect timing for future cycles).