Transcript Good - City of Modesto
Survey Conducted May 6-8, 2013
220-3657
Project Objectives & Results
A recently commissioned project of The Lew Edwards Group--with survey research conducted by FM3 Research--evaluated public perceptions in the City of Modesto on quality of life issues, financial management, attitudes toward city services and customer satisfaction levels, including assessing potential revenue options. We are pleased to inform you that your respondents hold positive views about the quality of life in Modesto and that viable revenue options exist, should the City need them.
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Methodology
• • Telephone survey of 400 randomly-selected City of Modesto residents Interviews were conducted via landline and cell phones, and in English and Spanish Survey was conducted May 6-8, 2013 • • The margin of sampling error is +/-4.9% at the 95% confidence level Margins of error for population subgroups will be higher Some percentages do not sum to 100% due to rounding
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Key Findings
Most feel largely positive about life in Modesto – and Modesto City government. Chief among those concerns are public safety – particularly drugs and gangs – and the local economy.
75% feel the City has “great” or “some” need for additional funding, and most would prefer to see additional funding prioritized for public safety services and economic programs.
Should the Council be interested in revenue generation, viable options exist at this time.
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Close to two-thirds say that the overall quality of life in Modesto is “Excellent” or “Good”— something to be proud of.
And how would you rate the overall quality of life in Modesto?
Excellent Good Only fair Poor 6% 6% 29%
Total Only Fair/ Poor 35%
58%
Total Excellent/ Good 65%
Don't know 0% 1% 20% 40% 60% 80%
Q2.
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A plurality of respondents feel the City is headed in the “right direction…”
Would you say that things in the City of Modesto are generally headed in the right direction or are they pretty seriously off on the wrong track?
Right Direction 48% Wrong Track 34% Don't Know 18%
Q1.
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…and an overwhelming percentage feel their neighborhoods are headed in the right direction.
Would you say that things in your neighborhood are generally headed in the right direction or are they pretty seriously off on the wrong track?
Don't Know 5%
Q1.
Wrong Track 24% Right Direction 71%
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Of the City/local services evaluated, police and fire services are viewed most favorably.
The Modesto Regional Fire Authority Exc.
Good 21% Only Fair 59% Poor DK/NA 9% 10%
Total Exc./ Good Total Only Fair/ Poor 80% 11%
The Modesto Police Department 21% 55% 18% 7%
76% 24%
Modesto City Water Services 10% 53% 26% 7%
63% 33%
The Modesto Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department 7% 42% 33% 13% 5%
49% 46%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
3. I am going to read you a list of a few community services and organizations that are a part of Modesto’s City government. Please tell me if you think they are doing an excellent, good, only fair or poor job.
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Service Ratings (continued)
The Modesto Public Works Department 6% Exc.
Good Only Fair Poor 42% 37% DK/NA 10%
Total Exc./ Good Total Only Fair/ Poor 48% 42%
Modesto City Government overall 40% 44% 8%
44% 52%
The Modesto Community & Economic Development 23% 34% 16% 24%
26% 50%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
3. I am going to read you a list of a few community services and organizations that are a part of Modesto’s City government. Please tell me if you think they are doing an excellent, good, only fair or poor job.
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One-third of respondents have had contact with a Modesto City employee in the past two years.
Have you had any direct contact, either in person or by telephone, with an employee or employees of a Modesto City government department over the past two years?
Yes 33% DK/NA 1% No 66%
Q10.
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Of those who have had contact with a City employee recently, a sizeable majority are satisfied with the experience.
Courtesy shown to you Very Sat.
Smwt. Sat.
Smwt. Dissat.
Very Dissat.
Neither/DK/No Opin.
64% 20% 6% 9%
Total Sat.
85% Total Dissat.
15%
Overall customer service provided Competence displayed in handling your issue 52% 49% 19% 12% 16%
72% 28%
23% 8% 19%
72% 26%
Timeliness of the response 47% 24% 10% 15% 5%
70% 25%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
11. Were you satisfied or dissatisfied with the ___________ by the Modesto city employee or employees with whom you had contact? 12
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Drug, gangs and the economy are seen as the most pressing issues facing Modesto.
Drugs and narcotics Ext. Ser.
Very Ser.
Smwt. Ser.
Not Too Ser.
48% 39% DK/NA
Total Total Ext./Very Serious Smwt./Not Too Serious
10%
86% 12%
Gang and youth violence 48% 34% 13%
82% 15%
Jobs and the local economy 43% 37% 15%
80% 18%
Auto thefts Unemployment 38% 37% 37% 35% 20% 23%
76% 73% 23% 25%
Crime overall 29% 41% 23% 6%
70% 29%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
7. I'd like to read you some problems facing the City of Modesto that other people have mentioned. Please tell me whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem in Modesto. Split Sample 14
Two-thirds are very worried about home burglaries and police service cuts.
Home burglaries Ext. Ser.
Very Ser.
32% Smwt. Ser.
37% Not Too Ser.
25%
Total
DK/NA
Ext./Very Serious Total Smwt./Not Too Serious 69% 28%
Cuts to police protection services 32% 35% 18% 11%
68% 28%
Deteriorating streets and potholes 26% 30% 35% 8%
57% 43%
Graffiti 29% Abandoned and foreclosed homes 22% 26% 32% 30% 29% 12%
56%
13% 5%
53% 43% 42%
Cuts to fire protection services 23% 25% 32% 15% 5%
48% 48%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
7. I'd like to read you some problems facing the City of Modesto that other people have mentioned. Please tell me whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem in Modesto. Split Sample 15
Tree trimming, traffic congestion and water quality are not seen as top concerns.
Ext. Ser.
Waste and inefficiency in local government Very Ser.
21% Smwt. Ser.
27% Not Too Ser.
26% DK/NA
Total Total Ext./Very Serious Smwt./Not Too Serious
16% 10%
48% 42%
The City’s budget 18% 29% 33% 6% 14%
47% 39%
Lack of tree trimming 17% 21% 33% 28%
38% 61%
Traffic congestion 16% 17% 40% 26%
34%
911 emergency response times 18% 13% 24% 25% 20%
31% 66% 50%
The quality of drinking water 9% 12% 28% 48%
21% 76%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
7. I'd like to read you some problems facing the City of Modesto that other people have mentioned. Please tell me whether you think it is an extremely serious problem, a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem in Modesto. Split Sample 16
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Three-quarters feel the City of Modesto has “great” or “some” need for additional funding.
Would you say that to provide essential services, the City of Modesto has a great need for additional funding, some need, a little need, or no real need for additional funding?
Great need Some need 29% 46%
Total Great/Some Need 75%
Little need No need 7% 10%
Total Little/No Need 17%
Don't know 0% 8% 20% 40% 60%
Q8.
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Strong majorities would like to see any additional funding spent on public safety or business attraction services.
Total
Ext. Imp.
Very Imp.
Smwt. Imp.
Not Imp./DK/NA
Ext./Very Important
Maintaining 911 emergency response times 46% 37% 11% 6%
83%
Expanding gang crime prevention services 47% 35% 14%
82%
Making neighborhoods safer 40% 41% 18%
81%
Investigating and preventing property-related crimes like theft and burglary Expanding programs to attract business to Modesto 39% 35% 38% 42% 22% 19% 5%
77% 77%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
12. I am going to read you a list of specific services and programs and that could be improved or expanded upon if funding were available. Please tell me how important it is to you personally: extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too important. Split Sample 19
Many would also like to see funds spent putting more police officers on City streets and restoring police officer positions.
Total
Ext. Imp.
Very Imp.
Smwt. Imp.
Not Imp./DK/NA
Ext./Very Important
Increasing the number of police officers patrolling City streets 32% 40% 20% 8%
72%
Restoring eliminated police officer positions Expanding after school programs for at-risk youth 33% 30% 39% 35% 18% 11% 23% 11%
71% 66%
Expanding neighborhood-based community policing 30% 35% 27% 7%
65%
Investigating and preventing auto thefts 24% 39% 29% 8%
63%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
12. I am going to read you a list of specific services and programs and that could be improved or expanded upon if funding were available. Please tell me how important it is to you personally: extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too important. Split Sample 20
Majorities would also like to see funds spent on road repairs and helping at-risk youth.
Ext. Imp.
Very Imp.
Smwt. Imp.
Not Imp./DK/NA
Total Ext./Very Important
Restoring eliminated fire fighter positions 28% 33% 27% 13%
61%
Repairing potholes 22% 39% 32% 7%
61%
Repairing deteriorating streets and roads 29% 30% 38%
60%
Expanding programs for at-risk youth to obtain work experience Expand community policing programs like neighborhood watch and national night out 0% 27% 22% 20% 33% 37% 28% 27% 12% 14%
60% 59%
40% 60% 80% 100%
12. I am going to read you a list of specific services and programs and that could be improved or expanded upon if funding were available. Please tell me how important it is to you personally: extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too important. Split Sample 21
Park maintenance, graffiti removal and school police officers are comparatively lower budget priorities.
Ext. Imp.
Very Imp.
Smwt. Imp.
Not Imp./DK/NA
Total Ext./Very Important
Expanding drug prevention programs 24% 33% 29% 14%
57%
Maintaining City parks 21% 35% Increasing the number of school safety police officers Putting a police officer in every Modesto high school 25% 20% 27% 30% 34% 31% 32% 11%
56%
17% 19%
52% 49%
Expanding graffiti removal services 20% 27% 39% 14%
47%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
12. I am going to read you a list of specific services and programs and that could be improved or expanded upon if funding were available. Please tell me how important it is to you personally: extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too important. Split Sample 22
Few see expanding airport services, hiring private security or creating more bike lanes as high priorities.
Ext. Imp.
Very Imp.
Smwt. Imp.
Not Imp./DK/NA
Total Ext./Very Important
Relieving traffic congestion 14% 22% 40% 25%
36%
Improving traffic corridors for local businesses 9% 26% Expanding Modesto’s airport and providing service to Los Angeles 14% 17% Hiring private security patrols to monitor and report neighborhood crime 7% 24% Creating more bike lanes 11% 18% 28% 31% 32% 42% 41% 23% 38% 39%
35% 31% 31% 29%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
12. I am going to read you a list of specific services and programs and that could be improved or expanded upon if funding were available. Please tell me how important it is to you personally: extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not too important. Split Sample 23
Close to three-quarters would prefer to enact new revenue rather than cut City services to increase public safety funding.
I am going to read you two different approaches the City could take to increase funding for police and fire protection. Please tell me which you would prefer the City to pursue.
Enact a one-half-cent sales tax measure to provide additional funding for police and fire protection
OR
Reduce services such as street paving, pothole repair, tree trimming and park maintenance to provide additional funding for police and fire protection 12% 73% Both/Neither/DK/NA 16% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
Q9.
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Survey respondents were asked about two conceptual revenue measures: A one-half cent Special Purpose sales tax dedicated to public safety (Two-thirds vote threshold) A one cent General Purpose sales tax (Majority vote threshold) 26
Though both measures are viable, the General Purpose measure has a greater margin for error relative to their respective vote thresholds.
Definitely yes Probably yes Undecided, lean yes
One-half Cent Public Safety (2/3s vote requirement)
2% 24% 45%
Total Yes 71%
Undecided, lean no Probably no Definitely no 0% 9% 19%
Total No 29%
+4% above vote threshold
One Cent General Purpose (simple majority req.)
3% 27% 30%
Total Yes 60%
0% 14% 24%
Total No 39%
+10% above vote threshold Undecided 0% 1% 20% 40% 60% 80% 0% 1% 20% 40% 60% 80%
4/5. If there were an election today, do you think you would vote “yes” in favor of this measure or “no” to oppose it? 27
Key Demographic Trends
Majorities of all major demographic groups (e.g., gender, age, partisan affiliation, and ethnicity) support both measures.
Additionally, majorities of respondents from each City Council District also support both measures.
However, support for the one-half cent special purpose measure (dedicated to public safety) falls short of the two-thirds vote threshold in some demographic categories.
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After three ballot tests, support for the general purpose measure remains high…
One cent City of Modesto Public Safety and Essential Services Measure
Initial Vote Second Test 65% Third Test 64% 80% Total Yes 60% 60% Total No 39% Majority Vote Threshold (50%) Undecided 1% 34% 1% 35% 1% 40% 20% 0%
5 Total and 14/16-Split Sample D. If there were an election today, do you think you would vote “yes” in favor of this measure or “no” to oppose it? 29
…as does support for the public safety measure.
One-half cent City of Modesto Public Safety/Crime Reduction Measure
Total Yes Total No Undecided Initial Vote 71% 29% 1% Second Test 79% Two-thirds Vote Threshold (66.66%) 20% 1% Third Test 76% 22% 2% 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0%
4 Total and 14/16-Split Sample C. If there were an election today, do you think you would vote “yes” in favor of this measure or “no” to oppose it? 30
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Conclusions
Your constituents feel that the City overall--and their neighborhood —are headed in the right direction. They value their quality of life.
For those who have been in direct touch with City Staff, they are satisfied —a great finding. Significant percentages believe the City needs additional funding, and are willing to support a revenue measure, provided that a sunset is included. Constituent priorities for funding include public safety, jobs and economic development programs.
Should the City desire additional revenue, we recommend that you place a one-cent General Purpose measure on the Nov. 2013 Ballot. By law, such a measure can only be placed on a regularly scheduled municipal election.
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