MEMORANDUM 09-104

TO: Mayor Hornaday / Homer City Council

FROM: Walt Wrede

DATE: August 10, 2009

SUBJECT: Information Dissemination / October Ballot Question

The Council is scheduled to have a discussion about how to disseminate information about the upcoming ballot question regarding the sales tax exemption on unprepared foods at the Committee of the Whole meeting on August 10. The purpose of this Memo is simply to throw some suggestions out there in order to help get the discussion going. My assumptions are, based upon past discussions, that 1) Council will want to spend as little money as possible on this and 2) put out information that is factual, unbiased, and informational in nature. The suggestions below would require little or no money. We could document staff time so that the amount of resources spent are documentd.

Information

• Descriptions of all revenue sources including narratives and graphics
• Descriptions of all expenditures including narratives and graphics
• Projected revenue impacts of sales tax exemption and downturn in economy
• Description of “core” basic services; what the City must provide or is required to by law
• Description of potential budget reductions

Information Portals / Generate Community Discussion

• Widely circulate all financial memorandums and other budgetary information provided to Council including copies to the media
• Newpaper articles
• Radio public service announcements and/or news programs
• Budget Webpage
• On – Line budget reduction suggestion box
• Community Survey
• “Town Hall” style meetings.
• Move Manager’s Budget submission up to September 14.