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Council reviews FY27 budget survey wording and accessibility; manager cleared to publish after edits
Summary
Councilors asked the manager to simplify wording to a 6th‑grade reading level where possible, clarify checkbox behaviors (top‑3 limits and multi‑select options), and ensure printed copies and accessibility options are available; the manager will revise and publish by late January.
The council reviewed a proposed FY27 budget survey intended to gather resident priorities for capital and service investments. Several councilors raised readability and accessibility concerns and suggested changes to the phrasing and response formats.
One councilor urged lowering the reading level and simplifying technical phrasing such as "accumulated capital improvement needs," recommending a rewrite to plain language and a sixth‑grade reading benchmark. Council members and staff clarified which questions are checkboxes (allowing multiple selections), which should limit responses (top‑3 lists) and the availability of printed copies at the library for people without internet access. The manager said he would make wording adjustments, run the survey through the distribution channels (Regroup, library copies and City Hall), and target a mid‑January close date so results can be compiled for a January council meeting.
Councilors also discussed small incentives to increase participation and suggested inclusion of accessibility information on the survey (e.g., large‑print or phone assistance contact). The manager was given latitude to finalize wording and launch the survey promptly.
