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Bond counsel outlines how ballot language, amounts and timelines work
Summary
Reading's bond counsel explained statutory steps to place a bond on the ballot, why ballot language often lists a maximum amount and term, and what factual information the city may distribute to residents.
Attorney Brenda Wehmer told Council that the city must first adopt a resolution of necessity, receive county-auditor certifications, and file with the Board of Elections at least 90 days before the election. She said Council chooses a maximum authorized amount and term to appear on the ballot but is not required to borrow the full maximum when project bids are finalized.
Wehmer also clarified campaign-law limits on municipal communications: the city may distribute factual information such as the auditor’s certification and estimated dollars per $100,000 of value, but it cannot use public funds to publish persuasive, campaign-style messaging urging a vote for or against the measure. "If you want to put this factual information, 'this is going to equate to this many mills,' you can put factual information...but you cannot put persuasive information," she said.
