Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Discussion
SUBJECT:
Title
SALES TAX MEASURE UPDATE (CITY COUNCIL)
Body
I. SUMMARY
On August 4, 2020, the City Council approved the placement on the ballot for the November 3, 2020, general municipal election a “sales tax” measure of ¾ cent (.75%) within Carson. The City Council also approved an allocation of up to $40,000 towards educating the public on the sales tax measure through communication and outreach, including securing outside resources.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
DISCUSS and PROVIDE direction to staff on the educational program to communicate and outreach to Carson residents on sales tax measure, Measure K.
Body
III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE another action the City Council deems appropriate.
IV. BACKGROUND
At the August 4, 2020, the City Council approved the submittal of Transaction and Use General Tax (commonly referred to as “Sales Tax”) Measure at a rate of ¾ cent (.75%) to the voters at the November 3, 2020 General Elections. If the Sales Tax Measure (Measure K) is approved by the voters, the revenues collected will be deposited in the City’s General Fund to fund City services and programs for its residents. It is estimated that approximately an additional $12,000,000 will be generated annually by Measure K for the funding of general City service until ended by voters. The funds may be used for any City general fund purposes, including, but not limited to:
• Public safety, natural disaster/public health emergency preparedness
• 9-1-1 emergency response
• Local drinking water/environment protection
• Small business assistance/job retention
• Street/pothole repair
• Other general City services
The City Council allocated $40,000 to be spent to educate the residents about the needs of the City while ensuring that all legal requirements prohibiting advocacy are met. Below is an itemized list of expenditures:
|
DESCRIPTION |
COST |
|
Contract to develop educational materials: Tripepi & Smith |
$22,400 |
|
Mail House Cost (estimated) |
$10,100 |
|
Every Door Direct Mail Cost (estimated) |
$4,000 - $4,500 (using flyer distribution services instead of first class mail) |
|
Digital Placement |
$1,600 - $1,700 |
|
Printing Costs |
(completed in-house) |
|
TOTAL (estimated) |
$38,700 |
Staff is working with Tripepi & Smith to ensure educational material are being delivered in a timely manner.
|
Tripepi & Smith |
|
Developed and posted webpage (www.carsonmeasurek.com <http://www.carsonmeasurek.com> ) on City website for City ballot measure. |
|
Social Media (Facebook & Instagram) Post no. 1 |
|
Social Media (Facebook & Instagram) Post no. 2 |
|
Animated video to be posted on City website |
|
Mailers sent to Carson residents |
V. FISCAL IMPACT
This report details the estimated costs associated with communication and outreach efforts not exceeding the up to $40,000.00 allocated by the City Council.
VI. EXHIBITS
N/A
Prepared by: City Manager's Office