The City of Victoria is moving forward with plans to enhance its community center, following a strong show of support from local residents. During a recent special city council meeting, officials discussed the next steps in gauging registered voters' opinions on potential funding options for the project, which may include a venue tax.

To better understand community sentiment, the city has partnered with Cooksey Communications, a firm specializing in marketing for municipal bond elections. They will conduct a poll targeting 300 registered voters in Victoria County to assess their support for the proposed improvements. The results are expected in January 2025, providing crucial data for the council's decision-making process.

City officials emphasized the importance of timing, noting that if the council decides to proceed, they must call for an election by February to include the measure on the May ballot. This timeline is critical, as the city already has scheduled elections for three positions in May, making it financially prudent to combine the community center project vote with these elections.

Discussions also touched on the potential costs associated with the election, which could range from $30,000 to $120,000, depending on whether it is a standalone election or shared with other entities. The council is considering whether to limit the vote to city residents or to include county residents, as many users of the community center live outside city limits.

The council is weighing the pros and cons of holding the election in May versus November, with May offering a chance to capitalize on existing voter engagement, while November could provide more time for public education on the project.

As the city prepares for these significant decisions, officials are urging community members to consider the implications of both the funding options and the timing of the election. The outcome of this initiative could lead to substantial improvements in local facilities, enhancing community engagement and services in Victoria.