Agenda - 10-09-2007-6i - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 that need to occur in order for the revenue question(s) to be an the May 6 ballot. At the September 19 meeting, Commissioners agreed to the dates associated with the first three actions outlined in the timeline. Further Board discussion regarding the timeline will occur during the months of October and November 2007. Local Revenue Options Education Advisory Committee Voter education is an integral part of the Local Revenue Options referendum. As proposed, the Local Revenue Options Education Advisory Committee will help the Board of County Commissioners develop and disseminate factual information about the need for new local revenue option(s). The attached resolution indicates the Board's intention to appoint a Local Revenue Options Education Advisory Committee comprised of interested partners who will communicate to community groups, civic organizations and voters in general concerning the May 6, 2008 local revenue options referendum for Orange County. The resolution includes plans, in accordance with the timeline included in Attachment 1 of this agenda abstract, for the Board to appoint Committee members and a chair, or co-chairs, at its November 5, 2007 regular meeting. Also attached to this abstract is a proposed charge to the committee and a suggested structure for the Committee. While the proposed charge and structure are similar to the framework used during the 2001 bond education process, it is also unique to the local revenue options. Funding the Education Initiative It is important to note that Commissioners may designate public funds to present relevant factual information to voters about the proposed local revenue options and the circumstances that have contributed to the need for the revenues. On the other hand, counties cannot expend public funds on campaigns to either promote or defeat passage of the local revenue options. There may be a number of options for developing and disseminating educational materials associated with the local revenue options referendum. However, based on current workload and expertise, staff recommends hiring an outside consultant to assist the County with educating voters. With such an arrangement, County staff would be responsible for providing facts, statistics and analysis while the consultant would offer expertise in design, format and dissemination of the actual public information materials. The consultant would work closely with County staff and the Education Advisory Committee in developing the materials. The Board of County Commissioners will have final approval of the materials before dissemination to the public. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Given the fact that the General Assembly approved legislation giving counties the authority to seek voter approval for new local revenues after the beginning of the current fiscal year, the Board's approved 2007-08 budget did not include an appropriation that would cover the cost of educating voters. Staff anticipates the direct cost of the education activities and informational materials to be $15,000 not including the cost of hiring an outside consultant to develop the educational (non-promotional) materials. Staff recommends that the Board direct staff to determine a funding source to cover the costs of educating voters on the Local Revenue Options, and report the source to the Board at the November 5, 2007 regular Board meeting.