Agenda Item Wording:
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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, an...
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