I. RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council receive a report and information from the City Attorney about the use of informaitonal consultants: and further:
- Authorize staff to solicit proposals (RFP/RFQ) from qualified firms specializing in legally compliant public information and municipal revenue measure outreach; and
- Direct staff to return to Council with: A summary of proposals received, Recommended consultant selection (if appropriate), A proposed scope of work, Contract terms and not-to-exceed cost for Council approval.
II. BACKGROUND:
If the Council chooses to further explore a potential Measure J ballot measure, any public communication would need to focus strictly on providing clear, factual, and legally compliant information to the community. Cities are permitted to share objective details about how a measure would function, its potential fiscal implications, and the City’s overall financial context, but communications must remain informational in nature and not advocate for or against the measure.
III. DISCUSSION:
Many municipalities retain specialized consultants to assist with legally compliant public information efforts related to potential revenue measures, including preparation of objective fiscal analyses, clear public communication materials, and, if directed, survey research to better understand community sentiment. Engaging a consultant does not commit the City to placing a measure on the ballot, but provides professional support to ensure accuracy, transparency, and compliance with applicable laws while reducing legal risk. If authorized, staff would release a request for proposals, evaluate qualified firms with relevant municipal experience, and return to Council with a recommended consultant and proposed contract for approval prior to any expenditure.
IV. ALTERNATIVES:
V. FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with authorization to solicit proposals. If a consultant is recommended, proposed costs and funding source would be presented to Council for formal approval before contract execution. | | |