Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the placement of advisory referendum questions to the spring 2021 ballot regarding the structure of City government. Additionally, the resolution instructs City officials to develop plans for informing the public and evaluating the results of the referendum questions. If the proposed referendum questions increase the ballot length, the City will incur additional costs from the County Clerk. The City Clerk has begun discussions with the County Clerk to determine potential costs. However, these conversations have been delayed as the County is currently conducting a recount of the presidential election ballots. Historically, ballot printing costs have varied by approximately $3,000. Any dramatic increases associated with ballot or planning costs may require additional appropriation.
Resolution #58656, which accepted the final report of the Task Force on Government Structure, discusses initial estimates associated with structure changes and estimates an additional $1m in costs from transitioning to a full-time council.
Title
SUBSTITUTE. A Resolution authorizing the placement of advisory referendum questions related to the structure of city government on the Spring 2021 general election ballot.
Body
WHEREAS, on September 8, 2017 the City of Madison created the Task Force on Government Structure (“Task Force”) (RES-17-00714) to examine and make recommendations related to the structure of the Mayor’s Office, Common Council, and the City’s Boards, Commissions and Committees; and,
WHEREAS, the Task Force Resolution asked the Task Force to consider whether the City’s existing government structure provides residents with adequate representation and meaningful avenues for participation, without privileging individuals with the time, resources, and ability to navigate the City’s current government structure; and,
WHEREAS, the Task Force Resolution specifically sought recommendations that could improve the ability of peo...
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