Item B: Sequencing of Financial Measures

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Proposed 2008 Measures: There are two property tax measures proposed to go before voters during 2008: ?Property tax levy (could be G.O. Bond measure or capital local option levy) for transportation system capital preservation projects in May 2008. This item is scheduled for council discussion on December 10, with follow-up discussion on January 14 and council action on February 11. ?City Hall and Police Patrol Facility G.O. Bond measure in November 2008. This item is scheduled to be discussed by the council on December 12, and on several additional dates during 2008. Future election cycles could include G.O. bond measure proposals for parks, recreation and open space projects and items related to the council’s goals or in the Multi-Year Financial Plan. Discussions with the City’s intergovernmental partners indicate that the 4J School District and Lane Community College have thought about placing measures on the ballot in 2008. The County does not have any plans to do so, and Bethel School District has no plans during 2008 or 2009, but may have a measure in future years. In order to think strategically about opportunities for asking voters for additional funding, staff used the following set of questions to develop the tentative election schedule: 1.If applicable, what is the likelihood of a 50 percent turnout of registered voters? 2.At the time of the election, will voters have had the opportunity to consider the benefits and financial impact of the measure? 3.Will the proposed City measure(s) compete with each other or with measures offered by other jurisdictions? 4.Is the measure politically feasible? 5.When are the funds needed? 6.Is there an optimal timeframe in advance of needed funding in which to ask voter approval in order to provide for multiple attempts, if necessary? 7.Are there any alternate funding mechanisms that could be used to pay for the service? Timing: The May 2008 election is the presidential primary, along with the primary for some council seats. It is possible that this election could exceed the 50 percent required turnout to approve property tax measures. The May 2000 primary election had a 60 percent turnout and the May 2004 primary turnout was 56 percent. The Council Subcommittee on Transportation Funding recommended consideration of this election date for a property tax for transportation needs. Any measure placed on the May 2008 ballot must be approved by the council by February 18. The November 2008 election is the next opportunity to ask voters to approve a property tax measure without a double-majority requirement. Planning and preparing to place measures on the November 2008 ballot will take a significant period of time. The council must take action before going on break in early August of 2008 for a November 2008 ballot measure. Attachment D includes a proposed election calendar for the next six years, including potential ballot measures by other governmental partners. F:\CMO\2007 Council Agendas\M071128\S071128B.doc