The city of West Carrollton recently conducted a public opinion survey with the help of Wright State University’s Center for Public & Urban Affairs.

David Jones, survey research director, presented a summary of the finding during the April 12 city council meeting.

A total of 414 residents completed the 98-question survey during phone interviews conducted from February through March. A summary of the findings included the following statistics:

▪ 81 percent rated the city as an ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ place to live;
▪ 85 percent rated the quality of city services as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’;
▪ 95 percent were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with fire service, and 99 percent with paramedic service;
▪ 91 percent were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with police service;
▪ 98 percent were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with waste collection. “This is one of the highest numbers we’ve ever seen in this area,” Jones said.
▪ 97 percent were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with parks and recreation.

The respondents were also asked a series of financial questions.
▪ 66 percent ranked fire and EMS services as a ‘high priority.’
▪ 63 percent ranked police services as a ‘high priority.’
▪ 87 percent said that city government pays attention to the services its residents want. According to Jones, that number is typically around 70 percent.
▪ 79 percent believe that West Carrollton city government spends money wisely. Jones said the typical response rate for that question averages at 65 percent.

Jones said the analysis of the open-ended responses showed some areas of opportunities for improvement such as additional activities for youth, additional police patrols, additional recycling opportunities and economic development in the city.

The city has conducted citizen survey every five years since 1990. This year’s survey was reformatted to align it with the National Citizen’s Survey standards.

“This will allow us to compare our statistics with other similar communities around the country,” said Brad Townsend, city manager.

A copy of the report is available at the Civic Center and on the city’s website.

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