In April, the city of West Carrollton conducted a public opinion survey with the help of Wright State University’s Applied Policy Research Institute. The survey was conducted primarily online and by phone if requested.
Mike Wiehe, director of the institute, presented a summary of the findings during the July 9 city council meeting. “We see many areas in which this city is doing very well,” Wiehe noted.
A total of 343 residents completed the 72-question survey. One third of those surveyed were in the 18-34 years of age range and another third made up the 35-54 years of age range.
Overall, 80 percent of respondents rated the quality of West Carrollton city services as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ and 68 percent rated the city as an ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ place to live.
Other findings include:
• 98 percent were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with both fire services and paramedic services.
• 92 percent were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with police services.
• 96 percent were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with waste collection services; 89 percent were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with snow removal efforts and 88 percent indicated they recycle in the home.
• 94 percent were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with parks and recreation.
Ninety-four percent of people who have had contact with a city employee in the last twelve months felt that the employee was responsive to their needs.
The respondents were also asked several financial questions.
• 76 percent said that city government pays attention to the services its residents want.
• 66 percent believe that West Carrollton city government spends money wisely.
Additionally, the majority of those surveyed would likely support a property tax increase to support emergency safety services however, almost half of respondents were not aware that the State of Ohio has made nearly $1.2 million of yearly cuts to the city’s general fund since 2011.
The city conducts a citizen survey every four years. The survey “allows us to compare our statistics with similar communities around the country. And our results hold up very well in comparison,” said Brad Townsend, city manager.
“It is also encouraging to see a large number of respondents in the 18 to 34 age range and we are very proud of the fact that the city continues to maintain its high-quality level of services for all of its citizens,” said Brad Townsend, city manager.
When respondents were asked to rate potential problems in the community, run down houses and buildings with an abundance of weeds topped the list. Forty-nine percent of respondents described run down houses as a ‘major’ or ‘moderate’ problem and 29 percent rated properties with an abundance of weeds as a ‘major’ or ‘moderate’ problem.
A copy of the report is available at the Civic Center and on the city’s website at www.westcarrollton.org