Moving Alachua County Forward Transportation Surtax on the November Ballot

Transcription

1 Moving Alachua County Forward staff brief, 6/16/2014, #140191A Prepared by the City of Gainesville Communications Office/RLW Moving Alachua County Forward Transportation Surtax on the November Ballot At their June 10th meeting, the Alachua County Commission voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance levying a one percent (1%) sales surtax for a period of eight years to plan, develop, finance, construct, reconstruct, operate, provide capital improvements and maintain county and municipal roads and bridges, bus systems and bicycle and pedestrian projects, subject to voter approval, citizen oversight, and annual audit. They also unanimously approved the name Moving Alachua County Forward as the name of the surtax initiative. Read the ordinance A. Key Elements of the Ordinance 1) authorizes a transportation surtax of one percent (1%) upon most taxable transactions within incorporated and unincorporated Alachua County 2) to plan, develop, finance, construct, reconstruct, operate, provide capital improvements and maintain county and municipal roads and bridges, bus systems and bicycle and pedestrian projects, subject to voter approval, citizen oversight, and annual audit 3) the Charter County and Regional Transportation System Surtax requires majority vote of the County electorate in a referendum election conducted by the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections to be held at the November 4, 2014, election 4) The County will distribute surtax proceeds to the County s municipalities as per prior percentage agreement: Unincorporated Alachua County 43.24%, Alachua 3.74%, Archer 0.57%, Gainesville 43.24%, Hawthorne 0.87%, High Springs 3.31%, La Crosse 0.12%, Micanopy 0.69%, Newberry 3.67%, Waldo 0.55%, for a total of 100% of surtax distribution B. Ballot Language TITLE ONE PERCENT TRANSPORATION SALES SURTAX To improve funding for the planning, development, financing, construction, reconstruction, operation, capital investment and maintenance of roads and bridges, bus systems, and bicycle and pedestrian projects, shall Alachua County levy a countywide one percent (1%) sales surtax for eight years, beginning January 1, 2015, with funds to be applied to the transportation project lists adopted by Alachua County and the cities of Alachua County, and subject to citizen oversight and annual independent audit? FOR the one percent (1%) transportation sales surtax.

2 Moving Alachua County Forward staff brief, 6/16/2014, #140191A Prepared by the City of Gainesville Communications Office/RLW AGAINST the one percent (1%) transportation sales surtax. C. Use of Surtax Proceeds by Alachua County In accordance with Subsection (1)(d), Florida Statutes, surtax proceeds will be used as follows: 1) Ninety-five percent (95%) of funds shall be used as listed in Exhibit A (Alachua County Road Reconstruction, Resurfacing, Paving and Maintenance Projects). 2) Five percent (5%) of funds shall be used as listed in Exhibit B (Alachua County Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects). D. Use of Surtax Proceeds by Municipalities within Alachua County In accordance with Subsection (1)(d), Florida Statutes, surtax proceeds will be used as follows: Funds to be distributed according to interlocal agreement for the purposes set forth within the adopted transportation project list incorporated within the interlocal agreement. E. Effective Date and Duration of Surtax If approved by majority vote, the surtax would take effect on January 1, 2015 and shall continue for a period of eight (8) years from January 1, 2015 through December 31, F. Proceeds to be held in a dedicated Fund The approved surtax ordinance would establish the Alachua County Transportation Trust Fund for Improvement of Roads and Bridges, Transit Facilities and Operations. G. Fund Oversight Alachua County shall establish a citizens oversight committee, and shall conduct an independent audit of expenditures of each local government s transportation sales tax proceeds annually.

3 #140191B Alachua County County Manager s Office Communications Mark Sexton, Communications and Legislative Affairs Director July 11, 2014 MEMORANDUM To: The Alachua County Board of County Commissioner From: Mark Sexton, Communication and Legislative Affairs Director Via: Via: Betty M. Baker, County Manager Michelle Lieberman, County Attorney Subject: Moving Alachua County Forward Public Education Campaign At the request of Manager Baker I am providing this update on the planned public education campaign for the Moving Alachua County Forward sales surtax. Manager Baker has put a team together that includes Michael Fay, Alan Yeatter, Bret Bostock, Takumi Sullivan and me, from her office; Steve Lachnicht, Jeff Hays and Jimmy Collins form Growth Management; David Cerlanek from Public Works; and Chris Nielsen from ITS. County Attorney Lieberman is advising, particularly on the legality of various public education campaign strategies and content. Items of interest: 1. Attorney Lieberman has communicated the State law covering what is allowed in educating the public. As a safety measure, all new materials and outreach items will get her sign off prior to distribution. 2. I have met with Bob Woods, City of Gainesville Marketing and Communications Manager, Laura Rawson, Communications Assistant, and Chip Skinner, RTS Marketing and Communications Supervisor. They are fully on board with participating in the public education campaign. With their input, a logo has been finalized:

4 Page 2 #140191B 3. We are also working with the City of Gainesville and RTS on developing a social media strategy that will include all Facebook and Twitter sites from the County and all municipalities. Social Media will be a very important component of this outreach effort. Mr. Skinner discussed the possibility of interior signs on buses and at bus stops which would explain enhanced services on particular routes. The team will also meet with the other municipalities to discuss their participation in the campaign. 4. Chris Nielson from ITS and Jimmy Collins are taking the lead on developing a Moving Alachua County Forward website. The site will include project lists, an interactive map, FAQs, video content, and other information. 5. With the help of the cities and RTS we will produce video shorts for social media, the website, and channel 12. The shorts will include City and County commissioners and other prominent citizens doing short take interview about the surtax. When possible they will be done at project locations. 6. I will Interview David Cerlanek and others on Alachua County Talks. We will do a Take 5 segment also. 7. The team is developing a system to keep County and City employees involved and engaged in the campaign. 8. Communications will develop posters and printed materials for distribution at meetings, public presentations, and in County buildings. 9. David Cerlanek and Jeff Hayes, with the help of Latoya Gainey and Devin Dissell in the Commission Office, will organize presentations at organization and community meetings. County and City Commissioners are always welcome to attend.

5 Page 3 #140191B 10. David Cerlanek and Public Works staff will develop and coordinate road signs to be placed at project locations to inform the public. He will also coordinate with municipalities to make the signs available. The signs will include the logo and simply state that the road is an eligible project. 11. We will watch local media stories and comment pages and, when appropriate, clarify and correct inaccuracies and confusing points. We will conduct a careful fact based conversation with citizens on our social media sites. 12. The team will coordinate letters to the editor, press releases, and guest editorials. We have also begun work on a Moving Alachua County Forward Information Sheet (see next page). It will continue to expand. We will keep you informed as this campaign moves forward. Cc: Municipality Managers

6 Page 4 #140191B INFORMATION SHEET At their June 1O, 2014 meeting, the Alachua County Commission voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance proposin g to levy a one percent (1%) sales surtax for a period of eight years (to view the ordinance go to By taking this action a ballot question will appear on the November 4, 2014 ballot. They also unanimously approved Moving Alachua County Forward as the name of the surtax initiative. Ballot language MOVING ALACHUA COUNTY FORWARD ONE PERCENT TRANSPORTATION SALES SURTAX To improve funding for the planning, development, financing, construction, reconstruction, operation, capital investment and maintenance of roads and bridges, bus systems, and bicycle and pedestrian projects, shall Alachua County levy a countywide one percent (1%) sales surtax for eight years, beginning January1 2015, with funds to be applied to the transportation project lists adopted by Alachua County and the cities of Alachua County, and subject to citizen oversight and annual independent audit? FOR the one percent (1%) transportation sales surtax. AGAINST the one percent (1%) transportation sales surtax Important Facts: 1. The State of Florida makes the Charter County Transportation Surtax, and other discretionary surtaxes, available to counties to raise the large sums of monies needed to pay for large projects such as healthcare, buildings, parks or in this case, transportation projects. 2. Of 67 counties in Florida, Alachua County is one of only 12 not levying a surtax.

7 Page 5 #140191B 3. The MOVING ALACHUA COUNTY FORWARD one percent transportation sales surtax requires a majority vote of the County electorate on the November 4, 2014 ballot. 4. If passed the surtax is subject to an oversight committee and an annual audit. 5. The ordinance authorizes a transportation surtax of one percent upon most taxable transactions within incorporated and unincorporated Alachua County. It will not be charged on food, medicines or housing. The sales amount above $5,000 on any item of tangible personal property shall not be subject to the surtax. An estimated 30% of the surtax revenue will be paid by visitors to Alachua County. 6. If passed, the surtax proceeds will plan, develop, finance, construct, reconstruct, operate, provide capital improvements and maintain county and municipal roads and bridges, bus systems and bicycle and pedestrian projects. 7. The County will share the surtax proceeds with the County's municipalities based on the following percentages: Unincorporated Alachua County %, Alachua- 3.74%, Archer 0.57%, Gainesville %, Hawthorne- 0.87%, High Springs- 3.31%, La Crosse- 0.12%, Micanopy- 0.69%, Newberry- 3.67%, Waldo- 0.55%, for a total of 100% of surtax distribution % of Alachua County s funds will be used for road maintenance and 5% will be used for Bicycle/Pedestrian projects (To view Alachua County projects. go to

8 Moving Alachua County Forward City Communications Plan Outline Prepared June 2014/RLW MOVING ALACHUA COUNTY FORWARD City Communication Plan Outline #140191C Key Themes 1) 1% sales surcharge is for a specific purpose transportation/transit infrastructure needs of Alachua County and its municipalities 2) 1% sales surcharge is for a limited time period - 8 years 3) 1% sales surcharge enables significant revenue collection from visitors to the County 4) Previous sales tax initiatives efficiently accomplished stated purposes, e.g., Wild Spaces/Public Places Responses to Frequently Asked Questions 1) Transportation needs have never been adequately funded 2) No other viable alternatives to improve transportation infrastructure 3) Needs will continue to grow 4) Costs will continue to grow 5) Region will compare unfavorably to others over time 6) Economic development will slow, limiting future opportunities Local Commercial/Public Communication Channels 1) Broadcast Medium a. Television i. TV20 ii. GTN News iii. Fox News iv. WGFL News v. WUFT-TV vi. UF ResTV b. Radio Station Markets i. Country ii. Popular iii. Talk iv. Jazz v. Hip Hop/R & B 2) Print Medium a. Gainesville Sun b. Florida Independent Alligator c. North Florida Business Journal d. RTS buses and bus stops 3) Online web portals 4) Direct Mail/ distribution 5) Social Media 6) Public/Community Events

9 Moving Alachua County Forward City Communications Plan Outline Prepared June 2014/RLW #140191C Key Operational Resources 1) Local websites a. County b. City c. Gainesville Chamber of Commerce 2) e-publications a. Alachua County Community Update b. City of Gainesville i. Municipal Minutes ii. City Manager Bi-weekly Report c. Chamber Newsletter 3) Community 12 Television a. County programming b. City Programming 4) Social Media a. FaceBook i. City Of Gainesville 1. Communications Office 2. RTS ii. Alachua County iii. Chamber of Commerce b. Twitter i. City Of Gainesville 1. Communications Office 2. Public Works 3. RTS ii. Alachua County iii. Chamber of Commerce c. YouTube channels i. City Of Gainesville ii. Alachua County d. Local Signage/posters i. RTS buses ii. RTS bus stops iii. Eligible projection locations e. Speakers Bureau i. Elected Officials ii. City staff f. Direct Mail/ campaigns

10 Gainesville City Commission Presentation August 7, 2014 Legislative File ID #140191

11 What is Moving Alachua County Forward? 1 Percent Transportation Sales Tax Voter Referendum November 4, 2014 If approved, would fund transportation improvements for Alachua County and all nine municipalities

12 City Commission Action Regarding Moving Alachua County Forward On July 17, 2014, the Gainesville City Commission approved: The revised project list for the 8-year Transportation Surtax Funding Plan with the addition of a Senior Transportation Initiative The Interlocal Agreement between the City and Alachua County for Use and Distribution of 1% of the Funds Generated by a Charter County and Regional Transportation System Sales Surtax To Be Used For Improvement and Maintenance of the Transportation Surtax Funding Plan Authorizing the Mayor to execute the Interlocal Agreement and any related documents, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality

13 City Staff Meetings Regarding the Moving Alachua County Forward Public Information Campaign On June 23, 2014, at the direction of the City Manager, City staff met to begin planning participation in the Moving Alachua County Forward Public Education Campaign. On July 1, 2014, at the direction of the City Manager, City Communications Staff met with County Communications Staff to discuss collaborative efforts regarding the Moving Alachua County Forward Public Information Campaign On July 29, City Manager staff met with the City Attorney to review applicable State law regarding public education campaigns and to receive legal opinion regarding public education campaign strategies and content. City Attorney staff will continue to review City initiated materials and outreach items prior to public use.

14 Planned City Staff Actions Regarding the Moving Alachua County Forward Public Information Campaign At the direction of the City Manager, the City Communications Manager will: serve as liaison to the County Communications Office coordinate in-kind City staff communications activity related to the County-led Moving Alachua County Forward Public information Campaign City communications staff will assist County communication staff development of: Key public information campaign themes, messages and responses to frequently asked questions Graphic design, broadcast production and other media operations as appropriate

15 Planned City Staff Actions Regarding the Moving Alachua County Forward Public Information Campaign City public education efforts will focus on: Key campaign messages and themes of interest to city voters Selected City transportation projects that are eligible for funding if voters approve the Moving Alachua County Forward Sales Surtax RTS transit eligible projects such as the Senior Transportation Initiative will be highlighted The following City communication resources will be used to provide the public with factual information regarding Moving Alachua County Forward Sales Surtax including: Live telecasts of City meetings, videotaped Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and other educational programs during City programming hours on Community 12TV, a shared resource of City and County government

16 Planned City Staff Actions Regarding the Moving Alachua County Forward Public Information Campaign Live video streaming of Community 12TV program content online via the City of Gainesville website portal City social media sites on FaceBook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. Multiple links from pages on the City of Gainesville website portal to the Moving Alachua County Forward website portal Local signage: Eligible selected city project locations (unfunded) Rotate Public Works Electronic Message Boards to major eligible city project sites (i.e., SW 62 nd Blvd) RTS Interior PSA Cards RTS Bus Stops

17 Planned City Staff Actions Regarding the Moving Alachua County Forward Public Information Campaign City e-publications such as Municipal Minutes, City Manager Bi-Weekly Report, and selected departmental e-publications News release distribution to local news media outlets Appropriate civic engagement tools Direct to city listserv groups Speakers Bureau/Community Event Opportunities Elected Officials City Staff

18 Planned Alachua County Actions Regarding the Moving Alachua County Forward Public Information Campaign Created a MOVING ALACHUA COUNTY FORWARD Facebook site and website Interview County and, if approved, City Staff on Alachua County Talks Create a 5 minute video piece for Channel 12, Facebook, and the website Create posters and printed materials for distribution at speaking engagements and meetings Speakers Bureau/Community Event Opportunities Elected Officials County Staff

19 Planned Alachua County Actions Regarding the Moving Alachua County Forward Public Information Campaign Create project signs to go on roads and bike/ped projects identifying them as projects that will be funded if surtax passes and make signs available to small cities Monitor media stories, editorials, and letters and actively clarify and correct non-factual or confusing information Actively encourage guest editorials and letters to the editor from elected officials, staff and citizens Create an interactive map with all of the County and cities projects identified

20 Questions?