Survey shows majority support for Gonzales fire department parcel tax before cost details

David Flaherty, head of Magellan Strategies, presented results of a June–July poll measuring local voters’ appetite for a potential parcel tax to fund Gonzales fire and emergency services. Lede: A local survey presented Aug. 18 found 64% of registered voters in Gonzales would approve a proposed parcel tax to support the city’s fire and emergency services in an initial, uninformed ballot test; support rose after respondents read explanatory information about staffing and service impacts. Nut graf: The presentation to the Gonzales City Council was an informational briefing — not a proposal vote — summarizing a 133-voter survey Magellan conducted June 18–July 6 (margin of error ±8.36%). The poll measured perceived fire risk, department approval, fiscal responsibility and reactions to exact ballot language the city might place before voters in June 2026. Body: Flaherty told the council the firm tested baseline items first. “Half of the residents say definitely increased [fire risk], only 7% decreased, and 41% about the same,” he said, arguing that perceived increased risk can make voters more receptive to a measure. He reported a job approval rating of about 90% for the Gonzales Fire Department and said two-thirds “strongly approve.” On a general, nonspecific question about a fire tax, Flaherty said “7 out of 10 voters say yes.” When respondents read the exact proposed ballot language — described in the presentation as an annual parcel tax that included dollar figures for single-family and multi-unit homes and a per-square-foot nonresidential charge — 64% said they would approve in the uninformed test and 24% said they would reject it; 12% were undecided. Flaherty said the firm then provided factual background (examples: two firefighters on duty at a time, a 35% increase in 911 calls over 20 years, nearest emergency room roughly 20 minutes away) and re-tested support. "Support increased by 7 points and opposition declined by 6 points," he said, reporting that the “definitely yes” cohort rose to roughly 39% after education. Council members asked no formal questions about placing a measure on the ballot during the presentation. Mayor Jose Rios and other council members expressed support for public education about the connection between local fire staffing and homeowner insurance reductions; Council Member Silva said she would “share the message whenever and whenever I can.” Ending: The presentation concluded as an informational item; no motion was taken. Council and staff will need to decide later whether to refine ballot language, pursue formal place-on-ballot actions and develop an outreach plan if they choose to proceed.