Discuss 2020 Citizen Survey

Note, this case was previously scheduled for discussion at the August 10, 25, and September 8 work sessions and was postponed due to time constraints.

The purpose of this case is to consider the final language on the road funding question on the 2020 Citizen Survey. At the July 28 City Council Work Session, it was requested that this question be revised based on recent actions of the City Council.  The attached 2018 survey (Figure 14, Page 15) shows how the question was previously worded.

The question is now proposed as follows. 

Table 19: Question 19
The City employs a long-term Pavement management Program to cost-effectively maintain all 180 miles of City streets.  From 2015-2020 the City funded projects by assessing 25% to benefiting property owners and contributed 75% through bonded debt, paid with property taxes.  The City Council recently passed an ordinance to collect a monthly franchise fee on gas and electric customers and dedicate this funding to the Pavement Management Program, and to eliminate the need for additional property taxes or assessments.  The City periodically evaluates funding sources for this ongoing program.  Please indicate the extent to which you would support or oppose the following funding sources:

• Assess 25% of street project cost to benefiting property owners and pay 75% through bonded debt, paid with city-wide property taxes. 
• Eliminate special assessments and pay 100% with property taxes, resulting in an estimated 15% increase in tax levy.
• Collect a monthly franchise fee on gas and electric customers in the amount of $7 per utility per month.

The current schedule for the, if approved this evening, will have the data collection starting in late October and finishing in early December.  A draft of survey results would be available in early January.   

15 Minutes

General Fund budgeted item.

Deputy City Administrator
 

Staff is seeking consensus on the final language on the road funding question for the Citizen Survey.