Oviedo council agrees to hold public forums to explain Amendment 3 impacts

City staff and council members discussed how the city will inform residents about potential local impacts if Florida’s Amendment 3 is approved by voters. Following direction to prepare a plan, staff (Mr. Kelly) proposed three public forums: an in‑person session in north Oviedo (East Branch Library) in mid‑September, a virtual session around Sept. 30, and an afternoon forum for seniors at the Riverside Senior Center on Oct. 13. Staff recommended recorded webinars and posting materials online.

Mr. Kelly and the city attorney explained legal limits on advocacy by the city: under Florida Statute 106.113, city staff should provide truthful information and avoid express advocacy (e.g., mailers telling voters how to vote), although elected officials retain the right to express personal opinions. Staff said outreach should explain the estimated number of homesteaded properties, potential service and budget impacts, and possible revenue adjustments staff were evaluating.

Council members debated logistics (venues, weekday versus weekend, timing to avoid religious conflicts) and format (hybrid vs. fully virtual). Some members said they prefer to invite people to regular meetings; others favored meeting residents where they are to improve turnout. Council reached consensus to have staff firm up dates and venues, avoid Wednesday scheduling where possible, and return with a finalized outreach plan.

Staff will investigate the cultural center as an alternative to the library for the north‑side session, confirm room capacities and recording capabilities, and bring a refined plan back to council.