Opponents of the measure said it looked like county officials were trying to promote the sales tax, which will go to voters on Nov. 7 as Issue 115, rather than merely educate the public. Before last night's meeting, they expanded the brochure to include the six proposed charter amendments. It's an important distinction.
State law prohibits using tax dollars to campaign on behalf of such issues.
Some of the council members weren't convinced. The county has amended its charter many times, pointed out Councilwoman Louise Heydorn, R-Silver Lake, and never mailed informational brochures to voters. The council didn't defeat the request outright, but it might as well have. The legislation was sent to committee, a stall tactic that won't allow enough time for printing and mailing before Election Day. Last night, the council voted to send that request to committee, too.