Agenda Item Wording:
title
Sales Tax Measure Feasibility Survey - Authorize the City Manager to award a contract to Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3 Research) for an amount not to exceed $45,000 to evaluate the feasibility of a potential local sales tax measure for the November 2026 General Election and appropriate $45,000 from the General Fund.
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Agenda Date: 03/02/2026
Prepared by: Reyna Rivera, Chief Deputy City Clerk Reyna.Rivera@visalia.gov 559-713-4512; Leslie B. Caviglia, City Manager Leslie.Caviglia@visalia.gov 559-713-4332
Department Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to award a contract to FM3 Research for an amount not to exceed $45,000 and appropriate $45,000 from the General Fund to conduct public opinion research regarding a potential local sales tax measure for the November 2026 General Election.
Summary:
During the January 20, 2026 Council meeting, Council directed staff to return with funding options for total and phased approaches to the proposed aquatics facility project, including projected timelines and funding for a consultant to evaluate the viability of a potential sales tax measure for a November election.
In response to that direction, staff recommends approval of an agreement with FM3 Research to conduct a statistically valid public opinion survey on community priorities and assess the feasibility of placing a local sales tax measure on the November 2026 ballot.
Background Discussion:
In discussing budget priorities, Council expressed interest in evaluating the viability of a local sales tax measure.
Revenue measure feasibility analysis requires specialized expertise in survey methodology and voter behavior analysis to ensure reliable, representative results. FM3 Research (Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates) specializes in public opinion research for local governments and has previously assisted the City with voter research efforts, including Measure N in 2015, Measure O in 2024, and Measure T in 2004.
The proposed agreement is recommended as a sole source agreement. Based on FM3’s experience and familiarity with the City, staff recommends entering into a direct agreement for these services.
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs: Approval of this item will appropriate $45,000 from the General Fund for the professional services agreement with FM3 Research. The contract amount shall not exceed $45,000.
This action funds feasibility analysis only and does not commit the City to placing a measure on the ballot. Any future ballot action would require separate Council approval.
Prior Council Action:
• January 2025 - Council requested information regarding aquatics facilities.
• October 2025 - Council directed staff to research development of an aquatics facility for competitive and recreational use.
• January 20, 2026 - Council directed staff to return with funding options for total and phased approaches to the project, including funding for a consultant to evaluate a potential sales tax measure and its viability.
Alternatives:
1) Do not authorize approval and provide alternative direction;
2) Modify the scope or funding amount and provide direction.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize the City Manager to award a contract to FM3 Research for an amount not to exceed $45,000 to evaluate the feasibility of a potential local sales tax measure for the November 2026 General Election and appropriate $45,000 from the General Fund.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 03/02/2026
Attachments: FM3 Research Service Proposal
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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☐ Economic Vitality |
☒  Organizational Excellence |
☐ Fiscal Strength |
☐  Infrastructure & Growth |
☒  Quality of Life |