2001 SCOTT COUNTY CITIZEN SURVEY

SUMMARY AND FINDINGS

Methodology:

This study contains the results of a survey of 500 randomly selected residents of Scott County. The number of telephone interviews in each of the five County Commissioner Districts was equal, 100 households, then re-weighted to reflect current population differences. Professional interviewers gathered survey responses between January 17 and 31, 2001. The average interview of county residents took twenty-seven minutes. Random samples such as this one yield results projectable to the entire universe of adult Scott County residents within ± 4.5 percent in 95 out of 100 cases.

Residential Demographics:

Scott County residents were very heterogeneous, indicative of a continuing high population growth rate. The median residential longevity was 11.9 years; thirty percent had lived in the county for five years or less, while thirty-four percent had lived there for over twenty years. Thirteen percent of the households contained seniors. Fifty-three percent of the households reported the presence of school-aged children or pre-schoolers. The average Scott County household was a married couple with two children in residence -- adult, school-aged, or pre-school.

Several other characteristics also demonstrated a high degree of variance. Ninety-four percent owned their current homes. The average adult age was 45.1 years old, with twenty-two percent under 35 years old and twenty-four percent 55 years of age or older. Sixty percent reported they were employed full-time outside of their home, while fourteen percent worked part-time outside of their home and fifteen percent were retired. Another nine percent worked inside the home. The median household income was $68,000.00 yearly; twenty-two percent of the households have incomes under $50,000.00 yearly, while twelve percent reported levels above $100,000.00 per year. Women and men equally divided the sample.

Population shifts during the past decade had altered the initial balance between the Scott County Commissioner Districts. Commissioner Districts One and Two each contained sixteen percent of the adult population, while District Three held nineteen percent, and Districts Four and Five were twenty-four percent and twenty-six percent, respectively.

General Quality of Life:

Ninety-three percent of the respondents rated their quality of life as either “excellent” or “good.” Six percent rated it as “only fair,” while one percent saw it as “poor.” “Excellent” ratings were twenty-nine percent, somewhat lower than the suburban norm. In considering what they liked best about living in Scott County, “small town ambience” was key to thirty-two percent, while “convenient location” was cited by twenty-six percent. The first of those responses is the quintessential “suburban” asset, while the latter more frequently characterizes “exurban and rural areas.” Eight percent posted each “Nice people” and “home”, while six percent cited “open spaces” and five percent each mentioned “quiet” and “parks.” This mix of responses characterized a county in transition from exurban to suburban in composition.

“High taxes,” at twenty-two percent, “growth,” at eighteen percent, and “traffic congestion,” at twelve percent led the list of aspects liked least about living in Scott County. Twelve percent were “boosters,” who declared there was “nothing” they disliked; this level of boosterism was well above the suburban norm. Smaller numbers pointed to “lack of businesses,” “poor roads,” and “inconvenient location.”

The three most serious issues facing Scott County that should be the top priorities in 2001 for the County Board of Commissioners were “growth,” cited by twenty-five percent, “high taxes,” at sixteen percent, and “school quality,” at ten percent. Seven percent posted “Traffic congestion”. Smaller numbers cited “zoning laws,” “loss of rural areas,” “Native American land issues,” “affordable housing,” and “lack of business.”

Environmental Issues:

At thirty-nine percent, “management of ground water” was the most often-selected environmental issue facing Scott County. Fourteen percent pointed to “open space management,” while twelve percent felt the same about “wetlands protection.” Just behind, ten percent chose “surface water management” as the top priority.

While forty-seven percent saw population growth and future development in their area as a “good thing,” forty percent felt it was a “bad thing.” Proponents of growth cited the salutary impact of more businesses, improvement to the tax base, general good for the area, and increased diversity. Opponents based their perception on the loss of rural areas and ambience, too rapid growth rate, traffic congestion, and increasing crime.

By a large seventy-four percent to nineteen percent margin, residents favored Scott County acquiring land for additional regional park development and open spaces. Intense support outnumbered intense opposition by almost five-to-one. These are solid support figures for a “land bank.”

County Service Ratings:

Each tested service was awarded at least a sixty-seven percent level of satisfaction by knowledgeable residents. Over eighty percent rated the quality of the County Libraries, regional parks and open spaces, public health service, and County Sheriff’s Office as either “excellent” or “good,” while less than twenty percent saw each one as “only fair’ or “poor.” Seventy-one percent rated County social services highly, while sixty-seven percent felt the same about County roads, environmental services, use of technology in providing services, and facility maintenance and improvement. Across the board, these informed satisfaction ratings were lower than suburban norms.

Majorities also indicated there were only three service areas where they would support an increase in the county portion of their property taxes to invest in expanding that service. By a 51%-41% margin, residents supported a tax increase to expand County Library services. By a 55%-36% judgment, they also supported higher taxes to expand and improve the County road system. And, by a 57%-34% verdict, residents favored a property tax increase to expand and improve County Sheriff’s Office crime prevention and apprehension.

Residents were split on what type of living arrangement they would prefer if they needed care provided by others. Thirty percent chose remaining in their current residence with regular care visits. Twenty-one percent opted for living in a senior apartment complex, while twelve percent liked the idea of remaining in their current residence with live-in home care. Nineteen percent reported, however, their health condition would determine the type of care and living arrangement they would most prefer.

Forty percent of the sample was aware of the problems with the Scott County questioning its ability to operate in light of its poor or dilapidated condition. Regardless of their information level on this issue, sixty-seven percent would support the option of constructing a new jail in concept. But, support drops to forty-five percent if the construction would require a moderate increase in the County share of their property tax; ten percent switch and join the original seventeen percent in opposition, while twelve percent join the initial sixteen percent as undecided on this issue.

Seventy-seven percent reported household members had visited a Scott County Library during the past twelve months. Eighty percent of the visitors, almost evenly split, used three facilities most frequently: the Savage branch, the Shakopee branch, and the Prior Lake branch. Less than ten percent each had visited the Belle Plaine branch, the Jordan branch, the New Market branch, or the New Prague branch. Aspects liked most about their favorite destination included “available book selection,” “convenient location,” “staff,” “wide variety of materials,” and “internet capabilities.”

County Park System and Recreational Issues:

In evaluating specific County Regional Parks, only thirteen percent had not visited any facility during the past year. Non-users pointed to “lack of awareness of offerings,” “lack of interest,” “lack of time,” “age and health,” and “going elsewhere” as the major reasons for their actions. Users cited “walking and jogging opportunities,” “family-oriented,” “location,” and “available activities.”

Eighty-nine percent were aware of Cleary Lake Park, even though only fifty-eight percent of the households reported using it during the past year. Seventy-six percent were similarly aware of Spring Lake Park, with a usership rate of nineteen percent. Finally, eighty-four percent reported awareness of the Murphy-Hanrehan Park, while thirty-five percent had used it during the past twelve months.

Eighty percent of the sample reported household members had visited a natural open space area during the past twelve months. Seventy percent each reported members had either swum or bicycled/rollerbladed. Forty-nine percent had household members who had golfed, while forty-three percent had camped.

By a 56%-26% margin, residents supported the County Regional Park System developing an 18-hole golf course at Cleary Lake Park if it would generate County revenues and reduce property taxes. Intense support was over twice as large as intense opposition. Opponents, for the most part were unable to suggest alternative facilities or services which could substitute as a revenue generator for the County; eight percent wanted “economic development,” while seven percent suggested “more trails,” and five percent, “a recreation center.”

Transit Issues:

Fifty-four percent reported awareness of transit services currently serving their community, but forty-four percent were unaware of local services. Usage of currently available transit services proved sparse. Six percent each had used either the Shakopee Dial-A-Ride or Minnesota Valley Transit Authority during the past twelve months. Four percent had utilized Metro Transit, while two percent had ridden Scott County Transit or Southwest Metro Transit.

Whether or not they presently had service, respondents were asked to design a “usable” transit system through specifying its operating parameters. Forty-seven percent thought it should cover several counties -- not limited to their community or to Scott County itself. Thirty-six percent urged five days per week service, while twenty-four percent wanted seven days per week. Thirty-three percent saw it operating

between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM, while twenty-three percent would extend its evening operation to 10:00 PM.

Even with this ideal design, forty-three percent reported they would “never” use it. Twenty-five percent would use the bus service at least once per week, and another eighteen percent would do so at least monthly. A “core audience” of sixteen percent would use the service several times each week. In addition, thirty-four percent reported other members of their household would use the service as described.

Potential users mentioned three key destinations: “shopping trips,” by thirty-seven percent; “to and from work,” by twenty-six percent; and, “recreation travel,” by fourteen percent.

The typical Scott County resident working outside of the home lived fourteen miles from his/her place of work. While thirteen percent worked within five miles of their residence, eleven percent had a commute of at least twenty-five miles. The median commute time was 20.9 minutes. Nineteen percent reported a commute of less than ten minutes, while eleven percent had commutes in excess of forty minutes. Overwhelmingly, eighty-nine percent drove alone to their job location, while seven percent carpooled.

Thirty-two percent reported a majority of their daily trips in Scott County were spent on U.S. Highway 169. Thirteen percent reported they were spent on State Highway 13, while twelve percent were on County Road 42. Eight percent traveled on County Road 42 and seven percent spent time on Interstate 35W. Interestingly, ten percent reported that none of their daily trips in Scott County were on highways at all.

By a 52%-36% majority, county residents opposed an increase in the County portion of their property taxes to fund improved transit service. Intense opposition was almost four times higher than intense support.

Scott County Facilities and Services:

During the past year, sixteen percent reported attending a Scott County public meeting or commenting to a County official by mail or telephone on an issue of County interest. Contacts focused on planning and development issues.

Thirty-six percent of the sample reported visiting or telephoning any Scott County Government Office. Twenty-eight percent had visited, while twenty-one percent had telephoned. Twenty-eight percent of the contacts were at License Centers. Nine percent each reported contacting Land Use/Planning and Zoning or Social Services. Eight percent had contacted County Administration, while seven percent had contacted Building Inspections.

Customer service ratings were generally good. On a five-point scale, where “five” meant “excellent” and “one” stood for “poor,” mean ratings ranged from 3.37, on “the convenience of the location,” to 3.81, “the courtesy of the staff.” The mean rating of “the convenience of the operating hours of the facility” was 3.55, and the mean for “the promptness of the service received” was 3.58. These ratings proved to be somewhat higher than the suburban norm in each case.

The County Board:

Thirty percent reported they knew either “a great deal” or “a fair amount” about the work of the Scott County Board, about six percent higher than the suburban norm. Fifty percent knew “a little,” while eighteen percent reported knowing “nothing at all.”

Sixty-two percent approved of the job the County Board was doing; only six percent were more critical in their evaluations. Both the high favorable rating and the ten-to-one favorable-to-unfavorable ratio were very strong in comparison with other Metropolitan Area Counties. “Hard” – that is, unaided – name identifications of each County Commissioner proved to be very high in comparison with other suburban counties; in fact, the name identification of Commissioner Bohnsack was one of the highest in the Metropolitan Area.

E-Commerce:

Seventy-five percent of the sample reported they had access to the Internet at home, at work, or at both locations. And, thirty-six percent were aware of the Scott County “home page” on the Word Wide Web; among Internet users, awareness reached fifty-eight percent.

Among all residents, whether on-line or not, over fifty percent were either “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to access three services: renew or apply for a license, make a reservation at a Regional Park facility, or obtain a permit. Similarly, Forty-six percent were “likely” to access public county records, while forty-three were apt to apply for a library card and forty-two percent, to make an appointment for a County service. Only thirty-nine percent, though, were either “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to pay fees, fines or property taxes via the Internet.

Communications and Information Needs:

Respondents were asked to evaluate a number of sources of information about Scott County Government. “Weekly community newspapers” led the list, considered to be a

“major source” by fifty-seven percent. “Daily newspapers” ranked second, similarly regarded by forty-six percent. Forty-one percent rated the County’s mailed newsletter, “The Scene.” Moving downward quickly, twenty-four percent graded “other Scott County residents” as a “major source of information” for them. “The Internet,” “Scott County employees,” “cable television programming,” and “community meetings” formed the bottom tier of the list, at thirteen percent, twelve percent, eleven percent, and eight percent, respectively.

In assessing their level of information about Scott County Government and its activities, fifty-three percent reported they were either “very well informed” or “somewhat well informed.” Forty-five percent, on the other hand, felt “not too informed” or “not at all informed.” This information level was very high and outdistanced the suburban norm by thirteen percent.

Respondents reported high interest levels in receiving additional information about four areas of Scott County Government and its activities: seventy-seven percent wanted more information about “property taxes,” while seventy-one percent felt similarly about an “explanation of ways residents can become more involved in County decision;” sixty-eight percent were interested in the “status of County road projects,” and just behind, at sixty-seven percent, residents wanted more information about “actions of the County Board.”

Conclusions:

Two key issues face decision-makers in Scott County: (1) the mitigation of the negative consequences of continuing growth and its impact on rural/small town ambience; and, (2) improving County services while avoiding excessive – or even moderate – property tax increase. While residents were not as apprehensive about short run growth in this study, except for an irritation with traffic congestion, concerns about long-term development persist. Similarly, while County services were not rated as highly as in other suburban/exurban areas, residents would vigorously oppose changes that would necessitate tax increases.

Concerns about the first issue and the role of the County may primarily stem from information levels about government responsibility. In other words, the County should inform residents about the parameters that limit its ability to impact fundamentally local government decisions about growth. A “dual track” approach would also resonate with residents that included projects to alleviate congestion on County roads in the short term tied to the fostering of partnerships on longer-range mass transit alternatives. Unlike many other areas, there was a substantial degree of interest – potential usership – of a well-designed transit system.

A potential pathway leading to meaningful advances on the second issue would combine other revenue-generating methods with increases in spending areas prioritized by residents. A majority of residents supported the development of a golf course at Cleary Lake Park; they might also be open to the consideration of other types of “for-profit” service providers. Any available revenue should then be targeted to the four areas where residents were least opposed to tax hikes for improved services: County Sheriff’s Office, County road system, Regional Parks and facilities, and County Libraries. In each case, moderate improvements in the service ratings would bring the County up to or exceed the Metropolitan Area norms on those services.

Scott County currently possessed one of the most effective communications systems in the Metropolitan Area. The impact of the County Newsletter was particularly impressive and scored almost as highly as weekly community newspapers, the pacesetters for local government information. But, there was great potential for augmenting the current system electronically through the Internet. A large proportion of residents have access to the Internet and, more importantly, significant numbers were interested in communicating with the County through this medium. The County may wish to prioritize on-line communications and e-business efforts.

One constraint on planning, though, was the property tax climate, which at best could be termed “moderately hostile.” Scott County residents were very hostile about any tax increase proposal, unless they could be linked to vital core County services. In fact, support for a new golf course was based primarily on its revenue-generation potential. At present, narrow majorities can be garnered on tax increases for limited purposes and perceived needs. In other cases, a significant and vehement majority galvanized in opposition to even moderate increases.

Overall, the quality of life in Scott County was rated highly and residents rated both County Government and County staff highly. Scott County Government was perceived as generally ahead of the on-going changes impacting the area. However, it will need to continue to play a key role in balancing costs and taxes with protecting those core values that attracted — and continue to attract — residents to Scott County, as well as meeting needs resulting from demographic changes, as in-migration patterns alter and “baby boomers” age.