City Council Agenda and Packet 2010 06 22 SP 2011 BUDGET

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PAGE FOUR SUBJECT: SPECIAL MEETING – DISCUSSION/DIRECTION 2011 BUDGET DATE: JUNE 22, 2010 Results of Phone Poll on Use Tax Issues and Discussion/Direction on Use Tax Ballot Measure During May 23-25, Hill Research Consultants conducted a phone poll on issues related to asking voters to approve a Use Tax. Among the findings of this survey are the following: 74% of respondents think that Louisville is headed in the right direction 72% of respondents approve of the job the Mayor and City Council are doing Protecting the quality of life in Louisville is really important (with 87% approving that goal for implementing the proposed tax) In spite of all of our efforts to publicize this issue, 43% of respondents have read, seen or heard “nothing” about this issue Before discussing the details of the issue, those opposing the measure slightly outnumber those who support it and there is a larger percentage of those who strongly oppose the measure (29%) than those who strongly support it (22%) After considering the issues raised in the phone survey, those supported the proposal slightly outnumbered those who oppose it, but the percentage difference between those who strongly oppose the measure (30%) compared with those who strongly support it (23%) stayed the same (7% split) 52% of respondents are concerned about the impact of a use tax on their family’s budget By a 17% margin (57% to 40%), respondents agreed that “Taxpayers just cannot afford another tax in these tough times” By a 13% margin (55% to 42%), respondents agreed that “Raising taxes on businesses will boomerang, causing us to lose businesses in the future” By a 7% margin (51% to 44%) respondents agreed that “voters have already said no to this use tax concept twice before, so it doesn’t make sense to bring it up again; there’s got to be a better solution” Staff would greatly appreciate Council discussion and direction on this issue. Specifically, should staff prepare an ordinance to place a use tax question on the November ballot? If so, should staff also prepare an outline of specific programs that would be revived or expanded from their current level if the use tax is approved by voters? What programs or services would Council like to see on that outline? A draft election calendar is attached for reference on the deadlines for various actions. Review of City Manager’s Recommended C-I-P for 2011 - 2015 Although the 2011-2015 Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (C-I-P) is presented as a separate document, it is an integral part of the overall budget process and final budget document. Upon Council approval of the C-I-P, all 2011 project costs will be added to the 2011 Recommended Budget, which we will present to Council in October. Please refer to the attached transmittal letter, summary charts and graphs, and detailed descriptions of all C-I-P projects. ê