HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2G: Approval of Neutral Information Brochure for Ballot Measures
ECC
UGENE ITY OUNCIL
AIS
GENDA TEM UMMARY
Approval of Production of Neutral Information Brochures for Parks Recreation and Open
Space General Obligation Bond Measure and Library Local Option Levy for the
November 7, 2006 Election
Meeting Date: June 12, 2006 Agenda Item Number: 2G
Department: City Manager’s Office Staff Contact: Jan Bohman
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5587
ISSUE STATEMENT
The council is asked to approve a motion directing the City Manager to produce and distribute neutral
information related to the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) General Obligation Bond measure
and the Library Local Option Levy for the November 7, 2006, General Election
BACKGROUND
On May 22, 2006, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 4868 referring to the legal electors of the
City of Eugene a measure authorizing a Four-Year Local Option Levy for the funding of Library
Operations. At the same meeting, the council also adopted Resolution No. 4869 calling a City election
on November 7, 2006, for the purpose of referring to the electors a measure authorizing the issuance of a
maximum of $25,490,000 of General Obligation Bonds for Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Projects.
In past elections (November 2005, November 2004, May 2002, and numerous other elections) at which
City of Eugene ballot measures were referred to the voters, the City Council directed staff to produce
neutral informational brochures on the measures. These contained information not available in the
voters’ pamphlet, such as the specific projects and services planned for funding if the measure was
approved.
Costs for publishing this information vary depending on the size of the publication and the method of
distribution. When it is mailed, costs are higher than when it is distributed as an insert in a publication
such as the Register-Guard. Mailing ensures that a larger percentage of the electorate receive the
document.
Costs for publishing the November 2005 neutral information piece, which described a single City of
Eugene ballot measure, were slightly less than $15,000. Staff estimates that the cost for each
publication for 2006 ballot measures may be somewhat higher than $15,000, due to an increase in the
number of households receiving it and increases in printing costs.
L:\CMO\2006 Council Agendas\M060612\S0606122G.doc
Staff will inform the council of final costs once the determining variables are established by early fall.
The council can expect the appropriation to occur on Supplemental Budget #1.
Directing staff to begin preparation of this information at this time rather than later could avoid higher
production costs that result when quick printing and processing turnaround is required.
RELATED CITY POLICIES
Providing information to educate the electorate as to what it is voting on furthers the council goal of
working openly, collaboratively, and fairly with the community to achieve measurable and positive
outcomes.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
1. The council can approve the motion to prepare and distribute by mail separate neutral information
publications on each of the measures for the November 7, 2006, election.
2. The council can decide not to publish neutral information on one or all of the ballot measures for the
November 7, 2006, election.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends that a separate publication be produced and mailed to City of Eugene
addresses for each of the council-referred ballot measures. Other methods of distribution may be less
costly but will not provide equal and full access to the information. Combining the measures in a single
publication would blur the distinctions between the measures and could be confusing to voters.
SUGGESTED MOTION
Move to direct the preparation and distribution by mail of neutral information publications on the PROS
Bond measure and on the Library Levy measure for the November 7, 2006, General Election.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Jan Bohman
Telephone: 541-682-5587
Staff E-Mail: jan.l.bohman@ci.eugene.or.us
L:\CMO\2006 Council Agendas\M060612\S0606122G.doc