CCP 09-11-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . "Ded4ion :<'~, ,ted, 2006 New Brighton Residential Survey EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Quality of Life: Thirty-eight percent of the City rate their quality oflife as "excellent," while another 56% rate it as "good." Only six percent rate their quality oflife lower. The 38% "excellent" rating places the community within the top quartile of Metropolitan Areas suburbs. "Location" is the most liked aspect ofliving in New Brighton, at 36%. "Quiet/Peacefulness," at 16%, "small town ambience," at 9%, and "parks and trails," at 8%, place next. Rounding out the list, "safe," "nice neighborhoods and housing options," "friendly people," and "everything," each at 6%, form the next tier. Only 6% report there is "no serious issue" facing the City of New Brighton today, about one-half of the Metropolitan Area suburban norm. "Crime" emerges as the key issue, cited by 17%, Three issues emerge at moderate levels: "high taxes," at 10%, "quality of schools," also at 10%, and "high rate of growth," at 9%. Tax Climate and City Services: The tax climate in New Brighton can be characterized as "moderately hostile." Forty-eight percent regard their property taxes as "high," while 36% see them as "about average." In order to qualify as a "very hostile" tax climate, the percentage of "high" answers should exceed 60%. In addition, 70% report their property taxes "increased" during the past year; and blame is apportioned equally to the "School District," "the City," and "increases in property values." In a discussion not including tax implications, most residents support the status quo in the trade- off between city services and property taxes, They strongly reject cuts in city services to reduce the city portion of their property taxes by a 62%-26% margin. The narrowly favor a property tax increase to maintain city services at current levels by a 46%-43% margin. But, they also decisively oppose a property tax increase to enhance current city services or offer additional city services by a 57%-29% majority. If service cuts are considered, decision-makers should avoid two areas - public safety and street maintenance/snow plowing. A very high 86% deem "public safety" as the most important or second most important city service; in fact, 75% rate it as their first choice. This result is not surprising in view of "crime" being the most important issue facing the community. Next highest, street maintenance and snow plowing, is the selection of 42%.