Accounting for Opinions Using Citizen Surveys to Inform Policy Decisions Tom Quist Assistant to the City Manager City of Cartersville, GA

Who’s in charge, here? “Majorities formerly only underwent government; they now conduct government.” Woodrow Wilson The Study of Administration, 1886

Bringing the Public to the Table Civic engagement key to democracy Common sources of public opinion and engagement: Elections Organized interest groups (Chamber, Churches, Clubs, etc) Influential community leaders Citizen complaints Media Who is missing?

How do we involve the general public? Public Meetings Citizen Surveys Discover the “truth” Scientific (valid and reliable) Levels the playing field (gives the silent a voice) Anonymity promotes honesty

Example: Stormwater Stormwater Utility Launched

Curbside Recycling Cartersville conducted a pilot curbside recycling program in the late 90’s, but it didn’t work out (low participation and financially difficult) Rising sentiment that city should offer recycling service Staff concerns that recycling would require a rate increase, which would upset customers

Curbside Recycling

Custom Policy Question: 2009 – To what degree do you support or oppose adding a curbside recycling program, even if it meant an additional collection fee? 67% Support

Curbside Recycling City to launch Curbside Recycling beginning in January Across the board $2.00 monthly rate increase. Anticipated leap in reported recycling rates and satisfaction in recycling services. Will evaluate again in Spring 2013.

Sunday Alcohol Sales (On Premises) Prior to 2009, Georgia did not allow Sunday sales of alcohol. In 2009, State Legislature voted to allow communities to decide for themselves through referendum. Cartersville has strong conservative, religious roots. Sunday alcohol sales could be a potential “hot-button” issue.

Sunday Alcohol Sales (On Premises) To what extent do you support or oppose changes in local laws to allow Sunday sale of beer, wine and mixed drinks by restaurants for consumption on the premises? 59% Support

Sunday Alcohol Sales (On Premises) Council avoided a potential hot-button issue Put on ballot, approved by… 59% Same as Survey!

Sunday Alcohol Sales (Package) In 2011, State Legislature voted to extend local control to include package sales.

Sunday Alcohol Sales (Package) The State legislature could permit cities to allow the sale of alcohol on Sundays after 12pm in grocery and convenience stores. To what extent would you support Cartersville allowing the sales of alcohol on Sundays after 12pm? 66% Support

Recreation Facilities Funding Development of recreational facilities on city owned property – City purchased 240 acres of green space – Planned to develop recreational facilities – How to fund? – Proposed property tax increase and general obligation bond

Recreation Facilities Funding To what extent do you support or oppose improved recreational facilities on the Milam Farm property? 73% Approve

Recreation Facilities Funding How likely or unlikely would you be to vote in favor of a property tax backed bond, based on a one mill increase to fund $12 million in recreational improvements to the Milam Farm property? 55% Opposed

Outcome We have not proceeded building recreational facilities What we heard: people didn’t want more taxes, didn’t want to burden future generations with debt obligations Plan to explore alternate funding options (i.e. SPLOST)

Conclusion Helps us to understand and be responsive to citizens Keeps a finger on the pulse of public opinion Levels the playing field Helps Council make “values” decisions Determines strengths and weaknesses Validates past decisions

Contact Info Tom Quist (770) 607 –