Agenda Packet — Hercules City Council, March 8, 2022 (part 2 of 2)

Resolution 22-

HERCULES CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION 22-

AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT
EXTENSION WITH THE LEW EDWARDS GROUP AND FM3 RESEARCH FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $131,250 FOR TAX MEASURE ADVISORY WORK

WHEREAS, the City of Hercules relies on a voter-approved Utility Users Tax (UUT) measures to provide sufficient ongoing revenues to sustain our current reduced levels of service; and

WHEREAS, the UUT measure, sunsets in January 2025; and

WHEREAS, the UUT measure is estimated to generate over $3.5 million in revenue in the fiscal year which ends June 30, 2022; and

WHEREAS, without the UUT Hercules would not be in the position to continue to provide the services important to our community even at our current reduced levels; and

WHEREAS, Hercules still receives a low share of property taxes relative to other cities in the County, and the City’s retail tax base is not currently enough to cover the cost of providing basic services to City residents; and

WHEREAS, ongoing efforts to generate revenue through economic development and to reduce expenditures by becoming more efficient will not result in sufficient increases in revenues to replace revenues generated by the voter-approved measures prior to the sun setting; and

WHEREAS, the City of Hercules is a general law city and would like to explore becoming a charter city for the purpose of increasing the Real Property Transfer Tax; and

WHEREAS, it is highly beneficial and advisable to engage the services of a professional consultant that specializes in public outreach and strategic planning for local revenue measures; and

WHEREAS, the consulting team comprised of Lew Edwards Group and FM3 Research was chosen by the City through a competitive interview process to provide Polling and Strategic Communications for the UUT and RPTT initiatives; and

WHEREAS, the Lew Edwards Group was effective in successfully assisting the City with several prior ballot measures.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hercules as follows:

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Page 2 of 2 ends

Resolution 22-

1. That the City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute an agreement extension with Lew Edwards Group and FM3 to provide professional consulting services related to possible revenue enhancement measures for a future ballot.

2. That the City Council hereby authorizes the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $131,250 from the approved general fund for consultants to the City Manager.

The foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Hercules held on the 22nd day of February, 2022 by the following vote of the Council:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

____________________________
DION BAILEY, Mayor

ATTEST:

________________________________
LORI MARTIN, Administrative Services Director/City Clerk 355
EXHIBIT A – TASK ONE SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Lew Edwards Group (“Consultant”) will provide the following Task Two Polling and Strategic Communications Ballot Measure consulting services to the City of Hercules:

Consultant shall, with consultation from Clie nt, provide Task Two services, including the following:

(a) Collaborating with City staff for a well-organized project effort (b) Scheduling regular project planning meetings with City staff to address ongoing project activities and needs
(c) Through subcontractor FM3 Research, develop a second dual mode survey questionnaire of approximately 20 minutes for up to 400 City of Hercules respondents to assess additional measure viabilities (phone interviews will have English/Spanish language capacity); (d) Design, recommend an d provide wor d copy conten t for Communications Toolkit and informational materials/outreach (City to design, print and mail at its own expense outside of this agreement)
(e) Review survey data, analyze results and present detailed analysis of poll findings; (f) Work with City staff to prepare briefing materials to the City Council and complete a Final Report; and
(g) Add value to ballot measure components and staff reports.

The term and scope of services of this initial A greement shall commence effective March 1, 2022, and are projected to end on November 15, 2022.

The parties expressly agree that legal advice is not within Consultant’s scope of services.

356

EXHIBIT B – COMPENSATION SCHEDULE FOR TASK TWO

Consultant’s Task One services shall not exceed Sixty-three Thousand, Seven Hundred and fifty Dollars ($63,750) due and payable as follows by the City of Hercules:

• For project management and p rofessional services, the rate of Seven Thousand, Fiv e Hundred Dollars ($7,500) per payment on the last bus iness day of each month commencing March 31 st and ending on November 30 th, 2022 (the month of November shall be prorated to half of the month); and
• For survey development and interviews, upon invoice by consultant.

357

To: Hercules City Manager Dante Hall

From: Lew Edwards Group and FM3 Research

Date: February 4, 2022

Re: Summary Report of January 2022 Community Survey Results

INTRODUCTION

Together with City Executive Staff, Lew Edwards Group (LEG) and FM3 Research (FM3) designed an updated 2022 City of Hercules Community Survey to evaluate customer satisfaction, resident priorities for services, and community interest in potential local funding measures.

Survey interviews were conducted by FM3 January 3 -17th. LEG/FM3 is pleased to report 324 completed interviews, which is more tha n the 245 respondents willing to respond in the last survey conducted in the City in 2015 . The Margin of Error on the full sample is +/ - 5.4% at the 95% confidence level.

VIEWS OF THE CITY

Having serv ed the City ’s sustainability needs over the course of the past decade, LEG /FM3 have a unique view on how resident perspectives have evolved over time.

2022 survey respondents clearly view life in Hercules through a more positive lens. Today, those who say things are off on the wrong track are at a record low, and 56% of respondents feel the City is headed in the “right direction” -- a 25 point increase from when we started our collaboration with the City in 2012.

A majority of respondents feel the City is doing an “excellent” or “good” job providing services, and a plurality believe the City is doing a good job managing its budget and finances . At the same time, perceptions of city inefficiency and corruption have continued to steadily decline since 2012 , with perceptions of c orruption, cronyism, waste, or inefficiency dropping from a high of 63% in 2012 to 24% today.

While confidence has softened since our 2015 collaboration, it is still stronger than many other cities are currently experiencing and is likely due to the uncertain COVID times . This is a testament to City leadership’s hard work during these trying times.
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MEASURE VIABILITIES

There were three measures evaluated in the 2022 study.

Renewal of Existing Voter-Approved UUT, with No Increase in Tax Rate

The City is in a strong position to renew its existing, voter-approved utility users tax (UUT) measure in November 2022 . The following ballot question (reviewed and approved by the City Attorney) was tested three times in the study:

CITY OF HERCULES NO TAX INCREASE/FINANCIAL STABILITY MEASURE: Shall an ordinance to maintain Hercules’ long -term financial stability and essential city services, such as neighborhood police patrols; crime prevention; street and pothole repair; and youth an d senior programs, by renewing an existing, voter -approved 8% utility users’ tax, generating approximately $3,600,000 annually until ended by voters, with no tax increase, low -income exemptions, independent citizens’ oversight, annual audits, and funding that cannot be taken by Sacramento, be adopted?

This simple majority requirement measure be gins with a 67% viability threshold on the first ballot test, stays consistent at 69% on the second test, and remains at 66% on the final, third ballot test. As there is no statistical difference in these perce ntages, this measure is strongly supported by respondents and remains remarkably consistent through the entire progression of the survey.

Based on this evaluation, LEG/FM3 recommend the City proceed with planning for placement of this measure on the City’s regularly scheduled Municipal Election.

City Charter Measure

Each of the two following measures were tested once in the study:

CITY OF HERCULES CITY CHARTER/LOCAL CONTROL MEASURE. To enhance local control over funding essential city services, shall the City of Hercules Charter be adopted to establish Hercules as a Charter City with the ability to adopt a local real property transfer tax, subject to voter approval? The City Council’s powers otherwise remain unchanged and are limited by State general law, and any other powers as a charter city would have to be approved by voters. Do yo u think you would vote “yes” or “no” on this measure?

This simple majority-requirement Charter measure receives 39% support. While this percentage is not unusual for other LEG cities who have enacted similar measures, it bea rs noting that in Hercules's case, the percentage opposition to this measure is also 39%, whic h is far higher than in our other successful cities. The percentage of undecideds are therefore much lower in Hercules (around 20%) than in other successful jurisdictions.

359
Based on t he community ’s current reaction to this measure LEG/FM3 advise a longer runway of preparation for the 2024 election cycle to provide time for the City to educate the community about this measure concept if desired.

Real Property Transfer Tax (RPTT) Measure

The following companion rev enue measure to the Charter Measure was also tested once in the survey:

CITY OF HERCULES ESSENTIAL SERVICES PROTECTION MEASURE. Shall an ordinance to expand locally controlled funding for essential city services such as improving 911 r esponse times, disaster preparedness/ safe routes to school; retaining/ attracting businesses; keeping public areas/ parks safe/ clean; by enacting a real property transfer tax (paid only by buyers and sellers of property at the time of sale), until ended by voters and requiring annual audits, no funds for Sacramento, be adopted?

The test of t his simple majority-requirement companion RPTT measure is at 53% which is within the MOE for the survey. As this type of funding mechanism is reliant on the companion Charter Measure being adopted, as noted above, deferring consideration of this measure package until 2024 is strongly advised due to the relatively low scoring reactions to both at this time.

TOP SCORING COMMUNITY PRIORITIES

An extensive battery of City services /objectives was evaluated in the study . The following seven services/objectives scored the most intensively and highly:

▪ Maintaining long-term financial stability - 88%
▪ Preventing funds being taken by Sacramento - 87%
▪ Meeting water quality health standards - 86%
▪ Maintaining fiscal accountability - 86%
▪ Maintaining 911 response times - 85%
▪ Keeping public areas and parks safe and clean - 84%
▪ Keeping funds local - 81%

INFORMATIONAL STATEMENTS

The following paraphrased informational facts resonated most strongly and effectively with survey respondents.

Budget Implications: Without this funding, the City will lose $3.6 million every year, which is over 20% of the City's budget. T he City may have no choice but to slash basic city services just to balance its budget, including police and neighborhood patrols, street maintenance, parks, senior services, youth programs, economic development, and others.

360
Maintaining Local Public Safety Services : Measure C has maintained police services. I f it is not renewed, the City will be forced to seriously consider major cuts to our police department, which could impact crime prevention and 911 response times.

Quality of Life: Hercules is a place where people desire to live and raise families. If the City is forced to continue cutting basic city services, the character of our community and its quality of life will decline. Renewing local funding helps protect and maintain esse ntial City services that make our community a safe, well-maintained place to live.

Finally, it b ears noting that the study found that virtually half of Hercules respondents were concerned about the am ount they were paying in utilities -- viewing it as an “extremely” or “very” serious problem. In these uncertain COVID times LEG/FM3 would caution the City about over - reaching to consider any increase or changes to the actual UUT rate . These results show your constituents clearly value maintaining existing voter-approved funding for the City’s long-term fiscal stability with no tax rate increase, but do not speak to the viability of a potential increase in the rate.

RECOMMENDATIONS/ NEXT STEPS

Educating and engaging your residents around the City’s budget, service needs and local priorities is vital to maintaining measure viability. LEG/FM3 re commend the City educate and engage the community during the upcoming budget process to collect more input and keep the public updated on your challenges.

As in past collaborations with the City, LEG’s recommended Public Information toolkit will include the following:

▪ Informational Speakers’ Bureau : City staff should visit those organizations in -person or through their scheduled online meetings to solicit feedback and provide information , which was highly effective and well-received by the community in past collaborations.

▪ Opinion Leader Communications and Outreach : Communicating the results of this survey provides the City with an opportunity to engage opinion leaders and expand the conversation with high-level leaders.

▪ Website/Newsletters/Social Media: Facts and information about the City’s financial condition should be placed on the City’s website, Facebook Page and Twitter feed. LEG will be recommending an E -Update & Social Media Plan to engage the public, get more feedback, and provide information.

▪ Media Response & Earned Media: Any opportunity to respond to the media should be treated with high importance and an opportunity to share information with the community.

▪ City Newsletter: Producing and mailing printed City Newsletters are recommended to engage and inform the Community about City service needs and priorities. While the Speakers’ 361
Bureau and Opinion Leader letters are extremely effective forms of communication, direct mail remains one essential component of a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary communications plan especially for seniors.

▪ Citizens Advisory Committee engagement: In LEG /FM3’s past collaborations with the City, the Her cules Citizens Advisory Committee has always been involved a s a highly credible community messenger, and we look forward to collaborating with the Committee again.

THUMBNAIL TIMELINE IF PREPARING FOR A NOVEMBER 2022 PLACEMENT

LEG/FM3 are looking forward to finalizing a graph presentation of Community Survey highlights for presentation to the City Council on February 8th. The following is a thumbnail outline of the timetable and key activities if planning for a November 2022 measure:

February – May: Update City Council, authorize continued project planning Engage Influentials and Community at Large
Solicit additional community feedback, report back to public Utilize budget consideration/adoption engagement and
messaging opportunities

June – July: Prepare ballot measure documents
Place measure on Municipal Election ballot

August – November: Submit ballot measure documents to County ROV Develop Municipal Election Communications Toolkit
Provide Municipal Election/Measure Information to public Thank the community for participating

November – December: Evaluate 2022 activities
If desired, commence assessment, planning and engagement for charter/RPTT activities

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Highlights of
City of Hercules
Community Issues and
Budget Priority Survey
220-6254
363
2 Project Objectives
 Conduct Hercules Community Survey to
assist with City Council goal-setting and
long-term budget and service delivery
planning
 Gather statistically reliable information on
community priorities and views
 Report back on results
 Utilize results for additional community
engagement and project planning
364
3 Key Survey Highlights
• Congratulations! The Hercules community continues to feel the City is doing an “excellent/good” job providing services • A plurality feel the City is doing a good job managing its budget/finances, with past concerns dropping significantly • Ballot Measure viability:
 A No-Tax Increase Renewal of the existing, voter-approved UUT is viable in 2022
 A City Charter Measure will need a longer runway beyond 2022 to fully inform the community of its specifics
 At the time the City is ready to proceed with a City Charter Measure, a Real Property Transfer Measure is likely to be viable 365
4 Dates January 3-17, 2022
Survey Type Dual-mode Voter Survey
Research Population Likely November 2022 Voters in the City of Hercules Total Interviews 324
Margin of Sampling Error (Full Sample) ±5.4% at the 95% Confidence Level (Half Sample) ±7.7% at the 95% Confidence Level
Contact Methods
Data Collection Modes
Languages Telephone interviews were offered in English and Spanish (Note: Not All Results Will Sum to 100% Due to Rounding) Survey Specifics and Methodology
Telephone
Calls
Email
Invitations
Telephone
Interviews
Online
Interviews
366
5 Impressions of Life
in Hercules and of
City Government
367
6 Today, those who say things are off
on the wrong track are at a record low.

Would you say that things in the City of Hercules are generally headed in the right direction or do you feel that things are off on the wrong track? 56%
63%
41%
31%
27%
16%
23%
24%
17%
21%
36%
45%
January 2022
March/April 2015
February 2013
February/March 2012
Right direction Mixed*/Don't Know Wrong track
368
7 Crime and traffic are among the most serious
issues perceived to be impacting the City today.

I'd like to read you a list of issues that some people say may be local problems. Please tell me whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem in the City of Hercules. Split Sample 12%
12%
10%
12%
10%
9%
27%
17%
20%
16%
18%
16%
28%
39%
33%
32%
17%
26%
15%
19%
32%
19%
25%
16%
18%
14%
5%
21%
31%
33%
Budget shortfalls in Hercules
city government
A lack of transparency in
city government
Insufficient city services to maintain
a good quality of life
Waste and inefficiency in
city government
Corruption in City government
Too much cronyism and nepotism
in City government
Ext. Ser. Prob. Very Ser. Prob. Smwt. Ser. Prob. Not Too Ser. Prob. Don't Know Ext./Very Ser. Prob. 39%
29%
29%
28%
27%
24%
370
9 Q6b, e-g, i-n. I'd like to read you a list of issues that some people say may be local problems. Please tell me whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem in the City of Hercules. ^Not Part of Split Sample Perceptions of city inefficiency and corruption
have continued a steady decline since 2012.
(Extremely/Very Serious Problem)
Issue February/March
2012
February
2013
March/April
2015
January
2022
Difference
(2022-2015)
Potholes and deteriorating streets 16% 25% 28% 43% +15% ^The amount people pay in local taxes 36% 41% 30% 43% +13% Crime in general 19% 38% 27% 34% +7%
Insufficient city services to
maintain a good quality of life -- -- 24% 29% +5%
Corruption in City government 63% 59% 32% 27% -5%
The condition of the local economy 50% 53% 44% 33% -11% Too much cronyism and nepotism
in City government -- 49% 36% 24% -12%
A lack of transparency
in city government 57% -- 42% 29% -13%
Budget shortfalls in Hercules
city government 58% 63% 53% 39% -14%
Waste and inefficiency
in city government 63% 57% 43% 28% -15%
371
10 2%
39%
22%
16%
22%
7%
45%
33%
8%
6%
A majority rate the City’s job at providing services
highly, and a plurality believe the City is doing a good job at managing its budget and finances.

How would you rate the overall job being done by the current Hercules city government in providing services to the City’s residents? Would you say the City is doing an excellent job, a good job, an only fair job, or a poor job at providing services to City residents? Ratings for City Services, n=162
Year February/March
2012
February
2013
March/April
2015
January
2022
Excellent 8% 4% 1% 7%
Good 24% 27% 40% 45%
*Just fair 37% 50% 43% 33%
Poor 26% 13% 10% 8%
32% 31% 41% 52%
373
12 Similarly, ratings for financial management are
overall more positive than in previous years
How would you rate the job being done by the current Hercules city government in managing the City’s budget and finances? Would you say the City is doing an excellent job, a good job, an only fair job, or a poor job in managing the City’s budget and finances? Ratings for Budget & Finances, n=162
Year February/March
2012
February
2013
March/April
2015
January
2022
Excellent 6% 3% 4% 2%
Good 12% 25% 33% 39%
*Just fair 35% 45% 38% 22%
Poor 36% 24% 17% 16%
18% 28% 37% 41%
374
13 Over six in ten also continue to believe the
City has a need for additional funding.
24%
28%
35%
38%
37%
36%
12%
10%
7%
16%
17%
13%
9%
9%
9%
January 2022
March/April 2015
February 2013
Great Need Some Need A Little Need No Real Need Don't Know Great/ Some
Need
62%
65%
71%
Do you think there is a great need, some need, a little need, or no real need for additional funds to provide the level of city services that residents of the City of Hercules need and want? 375
14 Reactions to a Potential
Ballot Measure
Continuing Hercules’s
Existing, Voter-
Approved Utility Users’
Tax (Measure C)
376
15 Potential Ballot Measure to Continue 8% UUT
(As Approved by City Attorney; 50% +1 vote threshold)

CITY OF HERCULES NO TAX INCREASE/FINANCIAL
STABILITY MEASURE:

Shall an ordinance to maintain Hercules’ long-term
financial stability and essential city services, such as neighborhood police patrols; crime prevention; street and pothole repair; and youth and senior programs,
by renewing an existing, voter-approved 8% utility users’ tax, generating approximately $3,600,000 annually until ended by voters, with no tax increase, low-income
exemptions, independent citizens’ oversight, annual audits, and funding that cannot be taken by Sacramento,
be adopted?
Please note viability is contingent on ballot language tested. 377
16 Two-thirds expressed support for the potential simple majority requirement, No Tax Increase UUT Renewal.

Do you think you would vote “yes” or “no” on this measure? 32%
31%
4%
2%
9%
16%
6%
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Undecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean no
Probably no
Definitely no
Undecided
Total
Yes
67%
Total
No
27%
63% without those
“leaning yes”
Note: Majority
support was
consistent across all
demographic groups.
378
17 These is a connection between the perception of need for additional funding and support for the measure.

Do you think you would vote “yes” or “no” on this measure? Initial Vote by Need for Funding
80%
75%
47%
6%
5%
17%
19%
48%
Great Need
Some Need
A Little/No Real Need
Total Yes Undecided Total No
379
18 There is not a significant difference in support
between a June and November electorate.

Do you think you would vote “yes” or “no” on this measure? 32%
31%
4%
2%
9%
16%
6%
32%
27%
5%
2%
9%
18%
7%
Total
Yes
64%
Total
No
29%
Total
Yes
67%
Total
No
27%
Likely June 2022
(MOE +/-7.3%)
Likely November 2022
(MOE +/-5.4%)
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Undecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean no
Probably no
Definitely no
Undecided
380
19 Support remained consistently
strong over the course of the survey.

Do you think you would vote “yes” or “no” on this measure? 32%
31%
4%
2%
9%
16%
6%
Total
Yes
67%
Total
No
27%
Initial Vote Third Ballot TestSecond Ballot Test
38%
27%
5%
3%
6%
14%
8%
Total
Yes
69%
Total
No
23%
34%
28%
4%
2%
7%
17%
8%
Total
Yes
66%
Total
No
26%
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Undecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean no
Probably no
Definitely no
Undecided
381
20 The Community’s
Budget Priorities
382
21 49%
54%
51%
45%
54%
41%
41%
44%
40%
37%
43%
39%
33%
35%
41%
31%
43%
40%
35%
39%
43%
35%
9%
10%
13%
12%
13%
13%
16%
16%
18%
17%
17%
5%
Maintaining the City's long-term
financial stability
Preventing funds from being taken
by Sacramento
Meeting local water quality health standards
Maintaining fiscal accountability
^Maintaining 911 police response times
^Keeping public areas and parks healthy,
safe and clean
Keeping funds local
^Retaining and attracting local businesses
Maintaining crime prevention programs
^Protecting and maintaining essential
City services
^Maintaining the number of police officers
patrolling neighborhood streets
Ext. Impt. Very Impt. Smwt. Impt. Not Too Impt. Don't Know Respondents highly prioritized maintaining the
City’s long-term financial stability and preventing
funds from being taken by Sacramento.

I am going to read you a list of ways in which funds generated by a ballot measure could be spent. Please tell me how important that item is to you personally:
extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too important. ^Part of Split Sample Ext./Very
Impt.
88%
87%
86%
86%
85%
84%
81%
79%
79%
79%
78%
383
22 Ext./Very
Impt.
75%
71%
71%
71%
71%
70%
68%
68%
67%
Respondents also prioritized maintaining safe
places for children to play & reducing traffic.

I am going to read you a list of ways in which funds generated by a ballot measure could be spent. Please tell me how important that item is to you personally: extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too important. ^Part of Split Sample 48%
45%
38%
36%
34%
32%
36%
32%
32%
26%
25%
33%
35%
37%
39%
32%
37%
36%
23%
17%
19%
24%
25%
22%
21%
23%
28%
11%
6%
7%
10%
7%
5%
Maintaining safe places for children to play
Reducing traffic congestion by completing the
bus, train, and ferry service planned for the
Hercules Waterfront
Preventing cuts to police services
^Responding to public nuisances
Repairing streets and roads
Maintaining youth programs
Improving safe routes to school
Repairing broken and deteriorating sidewalks
Maintaining parks
Ext. Impt. Very Impt. Smwt. Impt. Not Too Impt. Don't Know 384
23 Ext./Very
Impt.
65%
65%
64%
64%
60%
58%
54%
38%
Recreation projects and programs are also
extremely or very important by over six-in-ten.

I am going to read you a list of ways in which funds generated by a ballot measure could be spent. Please tell me how important that item is to you personally:
extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too important. Split Sample 24%
23%
36%
27%
33%
27%
17%
17%
41%
41%
29%
37%
27%
31%
36%
20%
26%
26%
22%
24%
24%
33%
34%
40%
8%
9%
12%
12%
13%
7%
12%
21%
Maintaining park restrooms and sports fields
Keeping the senior center open
Maintaining after-school programs
Improving crosswalk safety for
disabled residents
Maintaining clean drinking water fountains
at parks
Maintaining senior programs
Upgrading park facilities
Bringing back suspended annual festivals,
concerts and special events such as the Cultural
Festival, Fourth of July Parade, and fireworks
Ext. Impt. Very Impt. Smwt. Impt. Not Too Impt. Don't Know 385
24 Potential Measures
Adopting a City Charter
and Establishing a City
Property Transfer Tax
386
25 Potential Charter City Establishment Measure
Do you think you would vote “yes” or “no” on this measure?

CITY OF HERCULES CITY CHARTER/LOCAL CONTROL
MEASURE.

To enhance local control over funding essential city
services, shall the City of Hercules Charter be adopted to establish Hercules as a Charter City with the ability to adopt a local real property transfer tax, subject to voter approval? The City Council’s powers otherwise remain
unchanged and are limited by State general law, and any other powers as a charter city would have to be
approved by voters.
(As Approved by City Attorney; 50% +1 vote threshold)
387
26 Respondents were evenly divided on
establishing a city charter in order to
establish a local property transfer tax, with
one-in-five being unsure how to vote on it.

Do you think you would vote “yes” or “no” on this measure? 18%
17%
4%
6%
15%
18%
21%
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Undecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean no
Probably no
Definitely no
Undecided
Total
Yes
39%
Total
No
39%
388
27 Potential Property Transfer Tax
Do you think you would vote “yes” or “no” on this measure?

CITY OF HERCULES ESSENTIAL SERVICES PROTECTION
MEASURE.

Shall an ordinance to expand locally controlled funding for essential city services such as improving 911
response times, disaster preparedness/ safe routes to
school; retaining/ attracting businesses; keeping public areas/ parks safe/ clean; by enacting a real property
transfer tax (paid only by buyers and sellers of property at the time of sale), until ended by voters and requiring annual audits, no funds for Sacramento, be adopted?
(As Approved by City Attorney; 50% +1 vote threshold)
Note: This version did not include a tax rate and was
designed to assess reactions to the general concept.

Additional testing in the future will be necessary.
389
28 Support was higher for establishing the property
transfer tax (which is contingent upon enactment of
the companion Charter Measure).

Do you think you would vote “yes” or “no” on this measure? 24%
25%
3%
4%
10%
19%
13%
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Undecided, lean yes
Undecided, lean no
Probably no
Definitely no
Undecided
Total
Yes
53%
Total
No
34%
390
29 Key Takeaways &
Conclusions
391
30 Key Numbers & Conclusions – Life in Hercules
Feel the City of Hercules is headed in the “right direction.” View local economic conditions as an “extremely” or “very serious” problem, notably lower than at any point in the past decade.

Feel that the increase in property crimes like burglaries and car thefts is an “extremely” or “very serious” problem in Hercules, followed closely by freeway/highway traffic congestion. 56%
61%
33%
Summary:

Survey respondents clearly view life in Hercules through a positive lens and are notably less concerned about macro issues like the local economy.

However, concerns of freeway/highway traffic persist and many view increasing property crime rates as the most pressing local issue. 392
31 Key Numbers & Conclusions – City Impressions
Feel the City of Hercules is doing an “excellent” or “good” job providing services, by far the highest proportion in the past decade.

Feel the City has “a great” or “some” need for additional funding to provide services.

Feel that waste and inefficiency in Hercules City government is an “extremely” or “very serious” problem, but far the lowest proportion in the past decade.
52%
28%
62%
Summary:

Impressions of city government have continued to improve in recent years, with now a majority feeling positive about city services and only minorities concerned about government waste, corruption, and budget shortfalls. At the same time, a majority still feels the City could use additional funding. 393
32 Key Numbers & Conclusions – Budget Priorities
Feel that the big-picture goal of maintaining the City's long-term financial stability is an “extremely” or “very important” priority.

Believe maintaining 911 police response times is an “extremely” or “very important” budget priority.

Also believe it is “extremely” or “very important” to prevent funds generated from a ballot measure from being taken by Sacramento. 88%
87%
85%
Summary:

Top budget priorities include maintaining financial stability and accountability; keep funds away from Sacramento; maintaining police services, drinking water quality, and parks; supporting local businesses; and reducing traffic congestion.
394
33 Measure Viability – Measure C Renewal
Expressed initial support for a potential ballot measure renewing Measure C and continuing the City’s existing UUT at current rates.

Of likely June 2022 voters also expressed initial support for a Measure C renewal measure.

Consistently said they would vote “yes” on such a measure even after being presented with supportive and critical statements. 67%
56%
64%
Summary:

Support for a ballot measure continuing Hercules’s existing UUT and renewing Measure C appears robust for a November 2022 election. Assuming the necessary steps are taken to allow for a majority vote threshold, a June 2022 election also appear viable. Given current electoral circumstances, this support appears durable.
395
34 Measure Viability – Charter/RPTT Measures
Expressed support for a potential ballot measure adopting a city charter in order to establish a local, real property transfer tax.

Expressed support for establishing a real property transfer tax.

Were “undecided” as to how they would vote on such a measure. 39%
21%
53%
Summary:

Voters are unsure as to whether Hercules should adopt a city charter with the limited capability of establishing a real property transfer tax. However, opposition was not so strong as to rule out the possibility. While such a combination of measures does not appear viable in 2022, future communications, education and engagement may help clarify positions. 396
35 Next Steps
• Decide on Election Timing for viable measures
• If planning for a November 2022 Measure C Renewal:
 Feb – May: Authorize continued project planning
Engage Community, solicit more input
Maximize messaging during budget
 June –July: Prepare Measure C Renewal documents
City Council action to place measure
 Aug-Nov: Submit documents to CoCo ROV
Develop Municipal Election
Communications Toolkit
Provide information to the community
 Nov-Dec: Assess 2022 program
If desired, commence planning for future
measures
397
For more information,
contact:

Curt Below
[email protected]
Laura Covarrubias
[email protected]
The Lew Edwards Group
[email protected]
398
DECEMBER 22, 2021

CITY OF HERCULES COMMUNITY ISSUES AND BUDGET PRIORITY
SURVEY
220-6254
FINAL

A/B SPLITS
CONSULTANT WORKING DRAFT. NOT FOR PUBLICATION.

Hello, I'm ___________ from ________, a public opinion research company. I am definitely NOT trying to sell you anything. We are conducting an opinion survey about issues that interest people living in Hercules, and we are only interested in your opinions. May I speak to ______________? ( YOU MUST SPEAK TO THE VOTER LISTED. VERIFY THAT THE VOTER LIVES AT THE ADDRESS LISTED, OTHERWISE TERMINATE. IF NOT AVAILABLE, ASK WHEN IT WOULD BE CONVENIENT TO CALL AGAIN.) (IF RESPONDENT REPLIES IN SPANISH OR DESIRES TO SPEAK IN SPANISH,

FOLLOW THE ESTABLISHED PROCEDURE FOR HANDING OFF TO A BILI NGUAL INTERVIEWER.)

(ONLY ASKED ON TELELPHONE)
A. Before we begin, I need to know if I have reached you on a cell phone, and if so, are you in a place where you can talk safely without endangering yourself or others?

Yes, cell and can talk safely ------------------------------------------------------ 1 Yes, cell but cannot talk safely ---------------------------------- TERMINATE No, not on cell ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 (DON’T READ) DK/NA/REFUSED-------------------------- TERMINATE

(RESUME ASKING ALL RESPONDENTS)

1. (T) Next, would you say that things in the City of Hercules are generally headed in the right direction or do you feel that things are off on the wrong track?

Right direction ---------------------------------- 1
Wrong track ------------------------------------- 2
(DON’T KNOW/NA) ------------------------ 3

2. (T) In your personal opinion, do you think there is a great need, some need, a little need, or no real need for additional funds to provide the level of city services that residents of the City of Hercules need and want?

Great need --------------------------------------- 1
Some need --------------------------------------- 2
A little need ------------------------------------- 3
No real need ------------------------------------ 4
(DON’T KNOW/NA) ------------------------ 5

NOW I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT A POTENTIAL BALLOT MEASURE HERCULES IS CONSIDERING FOR A FUTURE ELECTION.

399
FM3 RESEARCH 220-6254-F PAGE 2

3. It may read as follows:

CITY OF HERCULES NO TAX INCREASE/FINANCIAL STABILITY MEASURE:

Shall an ordinance to maintain Hercules’ long-term financial stability and essential city services, such as neighborhood police patrols ; crime prevention; street and pothole repair ; and youth and senior programs, by renewing an existing, voter -approved 8 % utility users’ tax, generating approximately $3,600,000 annually until ended by voters, with no tax increas e, low-income exemptions, independent citizens’ oversight, annual audits, and funding that cannot be taken by Sacramento, be adopted?

Do you think you would vote “yes” or “no” on this measure? (IF YES/NO, ASK: “Is that definitely or just probably YES/NO?”) (IF UNDECIDED, DON’T KNOW, NO ANSWER, ASK: “Do you lean toward voting yes or no?”)

Definitely yes ----------------------------------- 1
Probably yes ------------------------------------ 2
Undecided, lean yes --------------------------- 3
Undecided, lean no ---------------------------- 4
Probably no ------------------------------------- 5
Definitely no ------------------------------------ 6
(DON’T READ) DK/NA -------------------- 7

NOW I AM GOING TO ASK YOU ABOUT SOME GENERAL ISSUES FACING THE CITY OF HERCULES.

(SPLIT SAMPLE A ONLY)

4. (T) First, how would you rate the overall job being done by the current Hercules city government in providing services to the City’s residents? Would you say the City is doing an excellent job, a good job, an only fair job, or a poor job at providing services to City residents?

Excellent----------------------------------------- 1
Good --------------------------------------------- 2
Just fair ------------------------------------------ 3
Poor ---------------------------------------------- 4
(DON’T KNOW/NA) ------------------------ 5

(SPLIT SAMPLE B ONLY)

5. (T) Next, how would you rate the job being done by the current Hercules city government in managing the City’s budget and finances? Would you say the City is doing an excellent job, a good job, an only fair job, or a poor job in managing the City’s budget and finances?

6. Next, I'd like to read you a list of issues that some people say may be local problems. For each one I read, please tell me whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem in the City of Hercules. (RANDOMIZE) 400
FM3 RESEARCH 220-6254-F PAGE 3

EXT VERY SMWT NOT TOO

SER SER SER SER

PROB PROB PROB PROB (DK/NA)
[ ]a. The amount you pay in utilities --------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]b. (T) The amount people pay in local taxes -------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5

(SPLIT SAMPLE A ONLY)
[ ]c. Increase in property crimes like burglaries and
car thefts ----------------------------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]d. The number of homeless residents in Hercules -------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]e. (T) Budget shortfalls in Hercules city
government -------------------------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]f. (T) Too much cronyism and nepotism in City
government -------------------------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]g. (T) A lack of transparency in city government --------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]h. The cost of living ------------------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]i. (T) The condition of the local economy ----------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5

(SPLIT SAMPLE B ONLY)
[ ]j. (T) Crime in general --------------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]k. (T) Potholes and deteriorating streets ------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]l. (T) Waste and inefficiency in city government -------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]m. (T) Corruption in City government ---------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]n. (T) Insufficient city services to maintain a
good quality of life ----------------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]o. The cost of housing----------------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]p. Traffic congestion on local freeways and
highways ----------------------------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5

401
FM3 RESEARCH 220-6254-F PAGE 4

(RESUME ASKING ALL RESPONDENTS)

NOW I WOULD LIKE TO RETURN TO THE LOCAL BALLOT MEASURE WE DISCUSSED EARLIER.

7. First, I am going to read you a list of ways in which funds generated by a ballot measure could be spent.

After I read each one, please tell me how important that item is to you personally: extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too important. (RANDOMIZE)

NOT

EXT VERY SMWT TOO

IMPT IMPT IMPT IMPT (DK/NA)
[ ]a. (T) Protecting and maintaining essential City
services ------------------------------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]a. (T) Maintaining the number of police officers
patrolling neighborhood streets --------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]b. (T*) Maintaining 9-1-1 police response times --------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]c. Keeping public areas and parks healthy, safe
and clean ----------------------------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]d. (T*) Retaining and attracting local businesses --------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]e. Responding to public nuisances ------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5

(ASK SPLIT SAMPLE A ONLY)
[ ]f. Maintaining crime prevention programs ---------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]g. Maintaining parks ------------------------------------------ 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]h. Maintaining park restrooms and sports fields ---------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]i. Repairing streets and roads -------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]j. Improving crosswalk safety for disabled
residents ------------------------------------------------------ 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]k. (T) Meeting local water quality health
standards ----------------------------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]l. (T) Keeping the senior center open ---------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]m. (T) Maintaining youth programs ------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]n. (T*) Maintaining fiscal accountability ------------------ 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]o. (T) Preventing funds from being taken by
Sacramento -------------------------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]p. Reducing traffic congestion by completing the
bus, train, and ferry service planned for the
Hercules Waterfront ---------------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5

402
FM3 RESEARCH 220-6254-F PAGE 5

NOT

EXT VERY SMWT TOO

IMPT IMPT IMPT IMPT (DK/NA)
(ASK SPLIT SAMPLE B ONLY)
[ ]q. (T) Preventing cuts to police services ------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]r. Upgrading park facilities ---------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]s. Maintaining clean drinking water fountains at
parks ---------------------------------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]t. Repairing broken and deteriorating sidewalks --------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]u. Improving safe routes to school -------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]v. Maintaining safe places for children to play ------------ 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]w. (T*) Maintaining senior programs ----------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]x. (T) Maintaining after-school programs ----------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]y. (T*) Maintaining the City’s long-term
financial stability ------------------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]z. Keeping funds local ---------------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]aa. Bringing back suspended annual festivals,
concerts and special events such as the
Cultural Festival, Fourth of July Parade, and
fireworks ----------------------------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5

(RESUME ASKING ALL RESPONDENTS)

NOW I AM GOING TO READ YOU SOME STATEMENTS FROM SUPPORTERS AND OPPONENTS OF THIS CITY OF HERCULES SERVICES PROTECTION MEASURE.

8. First, I am going to read you some statements from people who support the measure we have been discussing. After hearing each statement, please tell me whether you find it very convincing, somewhat convincing, or not convincing as a reason to support this measure on a future ballot. If you do not believe the statement, you can tell me that instead. (RANDOMIZE)

VERY SMWT NOT DON'T

CONV CONV CONV BEL (DK/NA)
[ ]a. (T*) (NO TAX INCREASE) This measure
does not create a new tax nor increase utility
rates in any way. It simply renews the existing
utilities tax, which has been previously passed
twice by majorities of Hercules voters. ------------------ 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]b. (T*) (ACCOUNTABILITY) In recent years,
Hercules has continued to demonstrate its
commitment to transparency and public
oversight. The City has passed an anti-
nepotism measure and formed a permanent
citizen Finance Commission to ensure that the
public has regular oversight on the City’s
budget and spending decisions. --------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5

403
FM3 RESEARCH 220-6254-F PAGE 6

VERY SMWT NOT DON'T

CONV CONV CONV BEL (DK/NA)
(SPLIT SAMPLE A ONLY)
[ ]c. (T*) (KEEP POLICE DEPARTMENT)
With the help of local voters who passed this
measure in the past, Hercules was able to
maintain police services and not cut public
safety any further. However, if it is not
renewed, the City will be forced to seriously
consider major cuts to our police department,
which could impact crime prevention and 9-1-
1 response times. -------------------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]d. (T*) (MOMENTUM - GENERAL) Many of
us remember when Hercules City government
was corrupted and nearly driven to bankruptcy
by previous administrations. Over the past
decade, new City administrations and Councils
avoided bankruptcy, reduced a nine-million-
dollar deficit, took steps to improve fiscal and
government transparency, and helped restore
confidence and trust. Voters approved this
measure twice before and should do so again
to continue this positive momentum. -------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]e. (ECONOMY) COVID has had a significant
impact in our economy. We have seen in the
past that we cannot count on the state or
federal government to take care of our needs.

Renewing this funding ensures we continue to
have local money for Hercules to help protect
small businesses that provide local jobs and to
foster our partnerships with local organizations
that provide essential services to our
community—all of which is needed to restart
our local economy. ----------------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]f. (YOUTH) The City’s after-school and
summer programs give thousands of kids a
place to go in their free time. They are a
proven way of keeping youth out of trouble
and away from gangs and drugs. Renewing
this funding will maintain and improve after-
school programs for youth and help maintain
our parks clean and safe, to keep our
community and our kids safe. ----------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5

404
FM3 RESEARCH 220-6254-F PAGE 7

VERY SMWT NOT DON'T

CONV CONV CONV BEL (DK/NA)
(SPLIT SAMPLE B ONLY)
[ ]g. (MAINTAIN POLICE SERVICES)
Renewing this local funding will help keep
Hercules safe. It will provide money to
maintain neighborhood police patrols,
continue investments in crime prevention
programs, and maintain police 9-1-1 response
times at a time when other parts of the Bay
Area are struggling with rising crime. ------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]h. (BUDGET CUTS) If voters do not renew this
funding, the City will lose $3.6 million every
year, which is over 20% of the City’s budget.

This means the City will have no choice but to
slash basic city services just to balance its
budget and be forced to cut essential city
services that may include police and
neighborhood patrols, street maintenance,
parks, senior services, youth programs,
economic development and others. ---------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]i. (T) (QUALITY OF LIFE) Hercules is a
place where people desire to live and raise
families. However, if we are forced to
continue cutting basic city services, the
character of our community and its quality of
life will decline. Renewing this local funding
will help protect and maintain essential City
services that make our community a safe, well-
maintained place to live. ----------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]j. (INFRASTRUCTURE) While most of the
City’s infrastructure is well-maintained,
continued local funding is still needed to help
replace outdated, unsafe park equipment and
facilities, and repair deteriorating sidewalks. ----------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5

405
FM3 RESEARCH 220-6254-F PAGE 8

(RESUME ASKING ALL RESPONDENTS)

9. Now that you have heard more about it, I would like to ask you again about the CITY OF HERCULES NO TAX INCREASE/FINANCIAL STABILITY MEASURE which would maintain Hercules’ long- term financial stability and essential city services, such as neighborhood police patrols; crime prevention; street and pothole repair; and youth and senior programs, by renewing an existing, voter-approved eight percent utility users’ tax.

406
FM3 RESEARCH 220-6254-F PAGE 9

10. Next, I am going to read you some statements from people who oppose the measure we have been discussing. After hearing each statement, please tell me whether you find it very convincing, somewhat convincing, or not convincing as a reason to oppose this measure on a future ballot. If you do not believe the statement, you can tell me that instead. (RANDOMIZE)

VERY SMWT NOT DON'T

CONV CONV CONV BEL (DK/NA)
[ ]a. (COVID) Our region’s economy has not yet
bounced back from the challenges of COVID-

19. Many local businesses are struggling to
stay open, while many residents are having
trouble finding a job, and paying their rent or
mortgage. We cannot continue to afford
paying these high taxes. ----------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]b. (T) (NO SUNSET) We were promised that
this tax would be temporary to help the City
get through a fiscal emergency. Now they
want to make it permanent. We should vote
“no” on any “forever” tax because we just
can’t trust the City. ---------------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]c. (T*) (GOVERNMENT DISTRUST) For
years, the City of Hercules has borrowed more
than it could pay back, spent more money than
it has taken in and has been sued in the past
because the City can’t pay its bills. In the past,
top City officials misappropriated funds and
wasted taxpayer dollars on expensive
consultants and personal home loans. The City
of Hercules cannot be trusted with additional
tax dollars. -------------------------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5 [ ]d. (TOO MANY TAXES) Californians are
being taxed more than enough, and the cost of
living is out of control. We simply cannot
afford any additional taxes. ------------------------------- 1 --------- 2 -------- 3 --------- 4 --------- 5

407
FM3 RESEARCH 220-6254-F PAGE 10

11. Sometimes over the course of a survey like this people change their minds. Let me ask you one more time about the CITY OF HERCULES NO TAX INCREASE/ FINANCIAL STABILITY MEASURE which would maintain Hercules’ long -term financial stability and essential city services, such as neighborhood police patrols; crime prevention; street and pothole repair; and youth and senior programs, by renewing an existing, voter-approved eight percent utility users’ tax.

NOW I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU ABOUT TWO DIFFERENT POTENTIAL BALLOT MEASURES. THESE MEASURES WOULD NOT APPEAR ON THE SAME BALLOT AS THE

MEASURE WE HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING, BUT MAY BE ON A BALLOT SOME TIME IN THE FUTURE.

(ROTATE Q12 PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX AND Q13 CITY CHARTER)

12. The FIRST/SECOND measure may read as follows:

CITY OF HERCULES ESSENTIAL SERVICES PROTECTION MEASURE.

Shall an ordinance to expand locally controlled funding for essential city services such as improving 911 response times, disaster preparedness/ safe routes to school; retaining/ attracting businesses; keeping public areas/ parks safe/ clean; by enacting a real property transfer tax (paid only by buyers and sellers of property at the time of sale ), until ended by voters and requiring annual audits, no funds for Sacramento, be adopted?

408
FM3 RESEARCH 220-6254-F PAGE 11

(ROTATE Q12 PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX AND Q13 CITY CHARTER)

13. The FIRST/SECOND measure may read as follows:

CITY OF HERCULES CITY CHARTER/LOCAL CONTROL MEASURE.

HERE ARE MY LAST QUESTIONS, AND THEY ARE FOR STATISTICAL PURPOSES ONLY.

14. What was the last level of school you completed?

Less than high school -------------------------- 1
High school graduate -------------------------- 2
Vocational or technical school --------------- 3
Some college, but no degree ------------------ 4
Associate degree ------------------------------- 5
Four-year college degree ---------------------- 6
Graduate school -------------------------------- 7
(DON’T READ) DK/NA -------------------- 8

15. With which racial or ethnic group do you identify yourself: Latino or Hispanic, White or Caucasian, Black or African American, Asian or Pacific Islander, or some other ethnic or racial background?

Latino/Hispanic -------------------------------- 1
White/Caucasian ------------------------------- 2
Black/African American ---------------------- 3
Asian/Pacific Islander ------------------------- 4
Other (SPECIFY_____________) ---------- 5
(DON'T READ) DK/NA/REFUSED ------ 6

409
FM3 RESEARCH 220-6254-F PAGE 12

16. (T) I don’t need to know the exact amount, but I’m going to read you some categories for household income. Would you please stop me when I have read the category indicating the total combined income for all the people in your household before taxes in 2021?

$25,000 and under ----------------------------- 1
$25,001 - $50,000 ------------------------------ 2
$50,001 - $75,000 ------------------------------ 3
$75,001 – $100,000 ---------------------------- 4
$100,000- $150,000 --------------------------- 5
$150,000 or more ------------------------------ 6
(DON'T KNOW/REFUSED) --------------- 7
(ONLINE ONLY)
X. What is your gender?
Male ---------------------------------------------- 1
Female ------------------------------------------- 2
Non-binary -------------------------------------- 3
Prefer not to answer --------------------------- 4

THANK AND TERMINATE

SEX (BY OBSERVATION): Male ---------------------------------------------- 1 Female ------------------------------------------- 2

LOI (BY OBSERVATION): English ------------------------------------------- 1 Spanish ------------------------------------------ 2

PARTY REGISTRATION: Democrat ---------------------------------------- 1 Republican -------------------------------------- 2
No Party Preference --------------------------- 3
Other --------------------------------------------- 4

FLAGS
P16 --------------------------------------- 1
G16 -------------------------------------- 2
P18 --------------------------------------- 3
G18 -------------------------------------- 4
P20 --------------------------------------- 5
G20 -------------------------------------- 6
BLANK --------------------------------- 7

VOTE BY MAIL
1 ------------------------------------------ 1
2 ------------------------------------------ 2
3+ ---------------------------------------- 3
BLANK --------------------------------- 4

PERMANENT ABSENTEE
Yes --------------------------------------- 1
No --------------------------------------- 2

DATA COLLECTION MODE
Online ---------------------------------- 1
Phone ----------------------------------- 2

LIKELY JUNE 2022
Yes -------------------------------------- 1
No --------------------------------------- 2

HOUSEHOLD PARTY TYPE
D1 --------------------------------------- 1
D2+ ------------------------------------- 2
R1 --------------------------------------- 3
R2+ ------------------------------------- 4
410
FM3 RESEARCH 220-6254 D3 PAGE 13

I1+ --------------------------------------- 5
Mixed------------------------------------ 6

AGE
18-24 ------------------------------------ 1
25-29 ------------------------------------ 2
30-34 ------------------------------------ 3
35-39 ------------------------------------ 4
40-44 ------------------------------------ 5
45-49 ------------------------------------ 6
50-54 ------------------------------------ 7
55-59 ------------------------------------ 8
60-64 ------------------------------------ 9
65-74 ---------------------------------- 10
75+ ------------------------------------- 11

SPLITS
A ----------------------------------------- 1
B ----------------------------------------- 2

411

Hercules City CouncilMarch 8, 2022

Hercules City Council
March 8, 2022