Specifications include, but are not limited to: Phase 1 – Research and Likely November 2024 Voter Polling • Gather existing sales tax rates within the jurisdictions of Monterey County and determine if any municipalities meet the State’s maximum sales tax rate. Deliverable: Memo with tabular listing of all 13 jurisdictions, existing local/state sales taxes, expiration date of any local sales taxes, and capacity for an extension of MST’s Measure Q initiative. • If any jurisdiction meets sales tax capacity, alternative mechanisms for raising funding to support MST programs will be identified. Deliverable: Memo with alternative funding mechanisms. • Work with MST staff and Board on programs and projects to be polled and at what rates. These should include the existing seniors, persons with disabilities, and veterans programs as well as others. The consultant should advise MST on potential sales tax rates and/or alternative funding mechanisms to be polled. Deliverable: List of projects and programs to be polled. • Once a list of projects and programs is selected, the likely voter polling should commence. The consultant should conduct a random scientific survey of at least 1,000 likely November 2024 voters on landlines and cell phones. Interviews shall be conducted in English and Spanish. Deliverable: Report of voter polling results and presentation to the Board of Directors on polling results. The presentation should also include any recommended approach for moving forward. If the above scope of work concludes that there is likely voter support to continue Measure Q programs, and/or expand eligible projects or programs, and/or increase the amount of the sales tax, the Phase 2 scope of work below may commence. Phase 2 – Public Information and Engagement • Finalize expenditure plan and relevant board actions supporting a potential ballot measure. Deliverable: Expenditure plan, schedule of board actions • Prepare informational materials including website updates, informational flyer to the community, social media content, suggestions for other effective outreach to our community. Deliverable: Informational materials in appropriate format • Prepare resolution(s) and ballot measure language which matches voter support threshold or greater. Deliverable: Resolution(s) with ballot measure language
