4-8-2024_PW SS Briefings (3) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Transparency of how the funds will be used and the proposed levy timing.A continuation of the questions around how the County got to the point of needing a road levy are questions about who will pay and contribute, how long the levy will be in place and the amount taxpayers will pay per year,what the specific projects are,and what roads and bridges will get attention (stakeholders commented that it will be important that both upper and lower county see benefits). Regarding timing of the levy, some participants noted there may be some challenges in introducing a road levy on the November ballot given the controversy around national politics and the county Leaning more conservative and anti-tax. Other stakeholders did not see an issue with the potential timing of the levy in November, but noted that how well the economy is doing(specifically for farmers) may affect the outcome. Generally, interviewees felt that people who are strongly against taxes or area growth will oppose the levy,while others who depend on well-maintained roads,for business,daily life,safety, or recreation,will generally support the levy as a necessity.Whether or not people oppose or support the levy, it will still be important for the County to address the above challenges and concerns. Need to build support and trust(including earning back trust). Interviewees also agreed that the County will need to focus on building early support and trust to pass a levy. Part of building support will be to engage with voters and community members and educate them on why the County needs more funds for road and bridge maintenance, how it will benefit residents, and how the County will hold itself accountable with the funds raised by the levy. It was noted that the County would also have to earn back trust due to challenges from a previous real estate excise tax(REET)that impacted some groups represented by interviewees.Those who raised the trust issue also talked about the power of social media and instances where a few loud voices can dominate the conversation,and are usually against something, regardless of the topic.They said that these voices will need to be countered with those who can speak to the benefits of the levy in an educated manner. Cor>! imunications and Messaging When asked about what information is important to share with 66 Frame[the[e+ry]in voters and their organizations and communities, and how they would communicate about the levy, interviewees offered key insights. the bigger picture t if communities don'[ As noted above, it will be important to share the story and the history leading up to the County considering this road levy.Just as important is get ahead of infrastructure repair a clear and transparent plan about who will contribute to paying for road and bridge maintenance,the specifics of the proposed levy and maintenance,it's adding to a bigger amounts and over what timeline, how the funds will be used and where, problem down the and how the County will hold itself accountable for how the funds are road. used. Interviewees recommended framing the need for the road levy around safety, especially wildfire safety and keeping evacuation routes maintained. Economic health, moving goods,the ability to do business, and ability to complete daily tasks were also noted as key points to convey. It will be important to consider messaging, understand the audiences, and what will resonate with different groups and their needs.Stakeholders strongly recommended transparency throughout any levy campaign and starting the conversation early. Several interviwees shared that it took multiple times to pass the school levy and that may be the Kittitas County Road Levy Research !Stakeholder Interview Draft Summary 4 March 2024