City Council plans $250K charter amendment election with extensive outreach strategy

Richardson City Council is gearing up for a significant charter amendment election, with plans to present a draft ordinance for review on July 28, 2025. This ordinance will include updated language regarding the surety bond, a key component of the proposed amendments. The council aims to finalize the ordinance by August 11, allowing for a vote on the election date shortly thereafter.

The estimated cost of the election is projected to be around $250,000, primarily due to the need to post approximately 46 to 47 propositions. This figure reflects the costs associated with ballot printing and outreach efforts. To manage these expenses, the council is exploring innovative communication strategies, including a dedicated charter amendment webpage and the use of QR codes in monthly publications to direct residents to online voter guides.

In addition to digital outreach, the council plans to facilitate in-person engagement through open houses and workshops aimed at educating the community about the proposed changes. These efforts are designed to ensure that residents are well-informed and can participate meaningfully in the upcoming election.

During the meeting, council members discussed the implications of the number of propositions on the election cost, noting that the increase from initial estimates was due to the inclusion of both grammatical and substantive changes. Some members raised concerns about whether all proposed changes were necessary, particularly those that merely align with state law. However, the consensus leaned towards ensuring that all amendments are presented to voters to maintain consistency with current regulations.

As the council moves forward, they are committed to balancing the need for comprehensive voter information with cost-effective strategies, ensuring that the community remains engaged and informed ahead of the election.