Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Survey topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission debates online versus mailed countywide survey and community outreach
Summary
Members discussed using a mailed questionnaire to reach older voters, doing online surveys for cost savings, and conducting in-person education sessions at libraries, rotary and senior venues; no final survey design or distribution method was adopted.
Commission members discussed how best to survey county voters about possible changes to local government, weighing the costs and reach of mailed questionnaires against free or low-cost online surveys and in-person education sessions.
Several members said a mailed survey would reach older residents and households that do not routinely use the internet. As one commissioner put it, “If they pick something up at their post box, they open it up and read it; it'll be right there for them.” Others said online distribution is low-cost and should be used in addition to any mailing.
The commission reviewed a draft question set used by the Peaburg study commission and discussed an MSU template; members noted the Peaburg draft had many questions and planned to refine a shorter instrument. Commissioners proposed a mix of outreach: a countywide mailing targeted to registered voters, online posting of the questionnaire, and short educational presentations at libraries, service organizations and senior centers. Several members urged that mailed outreach include clear explanatory materials about the three forms of government the commission will review, so respondents can make informed answers.
No final survey instrument or distribution budget was approved at the meeting. Members directed staff to research mailing logistics, costs and voter-list targeting and to return with information at the next meeting so the commission can decide whether to mail, post online or do both.
