Publisher outlines $78,000 estimate and timeline to print CRC final-report section; commission to remove suggested ballot questions

Peter Barheight, owner of the Sentinel, told the Charter Revision Commission on June 30 that he can produce a four-page special section for the CRC’s final report and does not anticipate the draft increasing the previously cited cost estimate. He said a physical mockup would likely be available by next Thursday and suggested options for layout and pagination.

Commissioners asked for clarification about the physical dimensions and readability of a multi-square layout; Barheight said the typical paper dimensions would require slight adjustments and warned against shrinking type too far. He also confirmed the paper would print the commission’s final report as a distinct section once the CRC submits a finalized draft and the town council’s approval status is settled.

Separately, commissioners debated whether suggested ballot-question language should appear under Section 6 of the report. Commissioner Jen Holm argued that suggested ballot phrasing could mislead voters because the town council ultimately finalizes ballot language; the chair agreed to remove the suggested ballot-question wording while retaining the commission’s recommendations and explanatory material. The commission intends to finalize layout and content after further review of version three at the July 7 meeting.

Barheight said he did not foresee additional cost beyond the previously discussed estimate (about $78,000) unless the CRC requests a physical mockup, which would add a small fee; he offered to provide 10–12 mockup copies for commissioners to review. The commission asked staff to coordinate distribution and to schedule a follow-up meeting once a mockup is available.