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Council reviews polling approach and $1.35 levy option to improve fire and emergency response
Summary
Staff presented polling plans and three draft ballot titles for a proposed local-option levy to support fire and emergency medical services; staff proposed a $1.35 rate for polling purposes, estimating $250–$275 annually for the average single-family home, and outlined a compressed campaign timeline.
City staff told the council the city has contracted Praxis for polling and PR work and plans to run a three- to four-week poll beginning Jan. 5. Staff described three draft ballot-title options and asked council for feedback on wording; they emphasized that the title must include the word "levy" and is limited to 10 words for the ballot.
Staff proposed polling a levy rate of $1.35 (the midpoint from prior analyses) and said that would equate to about $250 to $275 annually for an average single-family home in Wood Village. "This would translate into about, 250 to $275 for the average single family home in Wood Village," staff said while framing a relatable comparison for residents. Staff said the polling will use phone calls and a mailed postcard with a personalized QR code to maximize response in a small jurisdiction.
Councilors discussed titles that emphasize "response" and the importance of making the ballot language accurate and defensible. Staff cautioned that some improvements mentioned in polling materials may depend on contracts or other arrangements not yet finalized, so the council needs definitive answers before filing. The council and staff also discussed campaign logistics, timeline (with a filing deadline of Feb. 27 that triggers the statutory period), and next steps for refining polling questions.
