HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-13-2011, B2- CITIZEN SATISFACTION SURVEYcounci lj acenaa uepoR t
C I T Y O F S A N L U I S n I S P O
FROM :
Katie Lichtig, City Manage r
Prepared By : Michael Codron, Assistant City M age r
SUBJECT :2011 CITIZEN SATISFACTION SURVEY RESULT S
RECOMMENDATION
1.Receive a presentation from Richard Maullin of Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz an d
Associates (FM3) on the results of the 2011 City of San Luis Obispo Citizen Satisfactio n
Survey .
2.Consistent with the Council's Major City Goal for the preservation of essential services an d
fiscal health, direct staff to continue to evaluate placing the reauthorization of the City's hal f
cent sales tax (Measure Y) on the general election ballot in November 2012, and return to th e
City Council during Spring 2012 with an update .
DISCUSSIO N
Overview
FM3 has recently conducted a new citizen satisfaction survey . The results are consistent wit h
previous survey responses . San Luis Obispo continues to rate extremely high as a place to live .A
majority of residents believe the City is doing a good or excellent job providing services . And ,
when asked specifically about Measure Y, the City's half-cent sales tax measure, 59% say that i f
renewal were on the ballot today they would vote yes .
97%...
...rate th e
City as agood o r
excellen t
place t o
live .
71%...
rate th e
job bein g
done by th e
City i n
providin g
services a sgoodor
excellent .
... woul d
definitely o r
probabl y
vote "Yes" o nMeasure Y i f
the, vot e
were hel d
today.
Study Session : Citizen Satisfaction Survey Page2
The surveys also highlight issues that are a concern to the community . For example, the biggest
issues identified by residents include :
•Availability of affordable housing for middle-class families ;
•Availability of stable, good paying jobs in the local area ;
•Alcohol related crimes and problems ; an d
•Homelessness and transients .
All of these issues were prioritized by the Council via the 2011-13 financial planning process .
Specifically, these issues are addressed in the form of Council Goals - Major City Goals, Othe r
Important Objectives or Address as Resources Permit .
Past Surveys
Previous surveys were conducted in 2005, 2006 and 2010 . The survey results have provide d
important information regarding citizen satisfaction with key City services, the quality of life i n
San Luis Obispo and support for Measure Y, the half-cent sales tax measure approved by voter s
in 2006 . For example, the 2006 survey specifically gauged citizen support for the concepts tha t
were later translated into the actual ballot measure . These surveys have also tested arguments fo r
and against the local sales tax to determine the strength of support . In general, the results of th e
recent survey are consistent with past surveys . The top line results of the surveys conducted i n
each of the four years are available for the Council to review in the Council Reading File .
Survey Methodology and Trend s
The survey was conducted by phone on October 29, 30 and November 1, 2011 . Four hundre d
randomly selected registered City voters participated, with 32% reached on their cell phone . Th e
margin of error is plus or minus 4 .9% at the 95% confidence level . In other words, for eac h
question there is a 95% certainty that the true value lies within 4 .9% of the reported result .
Certain survey questions have been asked in each of the four surveys, allowing the City to trac k
responses over time . The following tables highlight these responses .
How would you rate the job being done by city officials in providing services t o
the City's residents?
2005 2006 2010 201 1
Excellent 11%15%15%17%
Good 57%59%57%54 %
Subtotal:68%74%72%71 %
Only fair, or 27%20%22%22 %
Poor job 4%4%4%4 %
Don 't know 2%2%2%2 %
Source :FM3
Study Session : Citizen Satisfaction Survey
Page 3
Thinking about the next five years, do you think the quality of life in San Lui s
Obispo will get better, stay the same, or get worse?
201 1
11 %
2005 2006 201 0
Much better 7%N/A 8 %
Somewhat better 17%N/A 17 %
Stay the same 42%N/A 56%
Subtotal:66%N/A 81 %
Somewhat worse 25%N/A 10%
Much worse 5%N/A 7%
Don 't know 5%N/A 2 %
Source :FM3
Based on these results, it appears that residents remain steadfast that the City does a good jo b
providing services and are optimistic about the direction of the quality of life in San Luis Obispo .
It is also worth noting that in another recent public opinion survey, this one conducted by the Sa n
Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG), that 67% of City residents responded that the y
are not concerned about the local sales tax rate being too high . 69% responded affirmatively tha t
they could afford an additional half-cent increase . These questions were asked in the context of a
potential transportation related tax measure, which SLOCOG staff is recommending agains t
moving forward on . The information still holds relevance, however, because Governor Brow n
recently indicated that his administration would be seeking to place a new half-cent sales ta x
measure on the ballot state-wide in November 2012 .
Measure Y Overview and Financial Sustainability Plannin g
On November 7, 2006, the citizens of the City of San Luis Obispo passed Measure Y, th e
Essential Services Measure . The measure passed with support from 64% of the voters . Measur e
Y was a general purpose measure that provides the City with over $5 million annually t o
maintain and restore essential services like street paving, traffic congestion relief, public safety ,
flood protection, senior citizen services and facilities, neighborhood code enforcement, ope n
space preservation and other vital general purpose services . Measure Y was approved for a
period of eight years and will sunset at the end of 2014 .
Financial sustainability planning for the long term requires the City to think ahead about th e
prospects for renewal of Measure Y before its expiration . The prospects for renewing Measure Y
are good, but definitive support for Measure Y has fallen since May 2010 . The following tabl e
summarizes and reflects changing community sentiment towards the renewal of Measure Y .
15 %
83 %
11 %
3%
2 %
Study Session : Citizen Satisfaction Survey
Page 4
How would you vote if Measure Y renewa l
were on the ballot today ?
2010
201 1
Definitely yes 43%34 %
Probably yes 21%25%
Probably no 10%10 %
Definitely no 19%16%
Don't Know/
Need more info
7%15 %
The total number of voters that would definitely or probably vote yes was 64% in 2010 and 59 %
in 2011 . In addition, arguments opposing Measure Y renewal appear to have a greater impac t
now than they did in 2010 . In 2010, after hearing arguments opposed to Measure Y, 62% o f
respondents continued to strongly or somewhat favor reauthorization of the sales tax . In 2011 ,
arguments opposed to the renewal of Measure Y reduced support for reauthorization of the sale s
tax from 59% to 54%. While this may cause some pause, it is important to note that those who
would probably or definitely vote no has fallen as well (from 29% to 26%).
The largest change as it relates to Measure Y renewal is in the area of people who need mor e
information to determine how they would vote on Measure Y . These responses increased by 8 %
between 2010 and 2011 . This is important information for the City Council to consider because i t
highlights the need for an educational effort by the City to reach out to residents and shar e
relevant information about Measure Y and the accomplishments made possible by this fundin g
source .
Although the number of people who don't know how they'll vote, or who need more information
has increased, awareness of Measure Y has also increased 14%, as illustrated in the followin g
table . Staff believes that Measure Y awareness has increased because highly visible project s
were underway or completed during the active summer months . Public outreach efforts tha t
highlight the City's use of Measure Y funding is also believed to be a contributing factor .
Recently, Measure Y was featured on CNN Local Edition . The Public Works Director wa s
interviewed and highlighted Measure Y funded projects . This news feature can be viewed on th e
City's website . Additionally, the use of signage to highlight Measure Y-funded projects has bee n
in effect for over a year .
Have you heard about Measure Y, the City of San Lui s
Obispo ballot measure that voters approved in 200 6
to raise the local city sales tax one half cent per dolla r
of expenditures ?
2010 201 1
Yes, heard a lot 17%26%
Yes, heard a little 40%45 %
No, haven't heard 41%27 %
Don't know 2%1%
Major City Goal - Preservation of Essential Services and Fiscal Healt h
Study Session : Citizen Satisfaction Survey Page5
As part of the 2011-13 Financial Plan, the City Council adopted a Major City Goal with th e
objective of sustaining the City's short and long-term fiscal health. There are a number of item s
identified in the workscope to achieve this goal . One of the key items directs staff to work wit h
the Council and the community to renew Measure Y . Specifically, the work program directs staff
to determine the appropriate timing for the ballot measure to reauthorize the half-cent sales tax .
The work program also directs staff to identify community priorities and develop educationa l
materials .
At this time, staff is seeking direction from the City Council to carefully evaluate placin g
reauthorization of Measure Y on the November 2012 general election ballot . If Measure Y is t o
be reauthorized, it must be placed on the ballot before it expires in 2014 . 2012 may represent a
good opportunity to propose reauthorization of Measure Y to the voters because it is a
presidential election year, where turnout is normally increased . The last day to call an electio n
for ballot measures and qualify for the general election ballot is August 10, 2012 . However, it i s
generally preferable to make the decision in advance to allow as much time as possible for vote r
awareness and education efforts to occur .
Additional Survey Results
Another issue of importance that was evaluated in the survey relates to the City's Utility Use r
Tax (UUT). Jurisdictions across the state and the country are writing modern UUT ordinances t o
address current technology, and are placing them before voters for approval . These moder n
ordinances are generally revenue neutral in that the rate is reduced to compensate for the fact tha t
a modernized ordinance would apply to new technologies, such as mobile data . The UUT is a n
important revenue source for the City and a future ballot measure to update the City's ordinanc e
to address litigation and technology risks is recommended .
In order to take advantage of the survey timing and to get some preliminary data for the City
Council to consider, the citizen satisfaction survey asked if respondents favored reauthorizatio n
of the City's UUT . The results were mixed, with 39% supporting the tax, 39% opposing it an d
22% needing additional information . However, because the UUT was not the focus of th e
survey, a range of questions that would probe support for a UUT measure was not asked . Staff
will continue to monitor the situation with respect to litigation, and the success of efforts b y
other jurisdictions to re-authorize their UUT ordinances . Additional information will be provide d
to the City Council when it becomes available .
FISCAL IMPACT S
There are no fiscal impacts associated with receiving the Citizen Satisfaction Survey . Directio n
by the City Council to consider whether or not November 2012 is an appropriate time to plac e
reauthorization of Measure Y on the ballot is consistent with the City's existing work progra m
for a Major City Goal . No new resources are proposed to be added to this effort .
ALTERNATIVE
1 . The City Council can direct staff to follow up on any other issues or questions raised by th e
Citizen Satisfaction Survey that warrant additional analysis or review .
Study Session : Citizen Satisfaction Survey Page6
2 . The City Council could direct staff to focus attention and efforts on Measure Y renewal i n
2014 . This alternative is not recommended because the 2012 election is a presidentia l
election and voter participation is expected to be higher during this general election .
ATTACHMEN T
City of San Luis Obispo Citizen Satisfaction Survey Summar y
COUNCIL READING FIL E
Citizen Satisfaction Survey Results (2005, 2006, 2010, 2011 )
T:\Council Agenda Reports\ Administration CAR\CSSurvey\12-13-11Sury ey-report . docx
FAIRBANK, MASLIN, MAULLIN, METZ & ASSOCIATES
October 29-November 1, 201 1
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO MEASURE Y RENEWA L
220-3264
ATTACHMEN T
WFT N=40 0
Hello, I'm from FM3, a public opinion research company . I am definitely NOT trying to sel l
you anything or ask for a donation . We are conducting an opinion survey about issues that interest peopl e
living in San Luis Obispo, and we would like to include your opinions . May I speak to ?
YOU MUST SPEAK TO THE VOTER LISTED . VERIFY THAT THE VOTER LIVES AT THE
ADDRESS LISTED, OTHERWISE TERMINATE .
A .
Before we begin, could you please tell me if I have reached you on a cell phone?(IF YES, ASK :Are
you in a place where it is safe to talk on the cell phone?)
Yes, cell and in safe place 32 %
Yes, cell not in safe place TERMINAT E
No, not on cell 68 %
(DON'T READ)DK/NA/REFUSED TERMINAT E
1 .
Generally speaking, how would you rate the City of San Luis Obispo as a place to live? Would yo u
say it is an excellent place to live, a good place, just fair, or a poor place to live ?
Excellent 74%
Good 23 %
Just fair 2 %
Poor 1 %
(DON'T KNOW/NA) 0%
2 .
Thinking about the next five years, do you think the quality of life in the City of San Luis Obispo wil l
get better, stay the same, or get worse?(IF BETTER/WORSE, ASK :"Is that muc h
BETTER/WORSE or somewhat?"
Much better 11 %
Somewhat better 15 %
Stay the same 57 %
Somewhat worse 11 %
Much worse 3 %
(DON'T KNOW/NA) 2 %
FAIRBANK,MASLIN,MAULLIN, METZ &ASSOCIATES
220-3264 WFT
PAGE 2
ATTACHMEN T
3 . Next, I am going to mention issues some people say might be problems for residents of the City of Sa n
Luis Obispo . After I mention each one, please tell me whether you consider it to be a very seriou s
problem, a somewhat serious problem, or not too serious a problem or not a problem at all for San Lui s
Obispo residents .(ROTATE)
NOT NOT (DON'T
VERY SMWT TOO A READ)
SERIOUS SERIOUS SERIOUS PROS DK/NA
(SPLIT SAMPLE A )
[ ]a.Crime in general 6% 13 0/0 51% 28% 1 %
[ ]b.Inefficient storm drainage that leads t o
flooding 6% 12% 42% 35% 4 %
[ ]c.City streets in need of repair 18% 28% 31 % 22% 2%
[ ]d.State budget cuts that reduce th e
money available to cities for essentia l
services such as police and fir e
protection 23% 32% 23% 17% 5 %
He . Alcohol-related crimes and problems 22% 38% 22% 15% 3 %
[ ]f.The availability of senior services 11% 14% 31''/o 27% 17 %
[ ]g.Maintaining a good quality of life in
local neighborhoods 6% 11% 39% 43% 1 %
[ ]h.Waste and inefficiency in Cit y
government 16% 24 1%33% 21% 7 %
[ ]i.The availability of recreation programs 12% 32% 46% 6 %
[ ]j.The time it takes for police to respon d
to service calls 2% 7% 34% 42% 15 %
(SPLIT SAMPLE B)
[]k .The time it takes for firefighters t o
respond to service calls 5% 6% 32% 45% 13 %
[ ]l .Access to quality health care 17% 29% 21% 31% 2 %
[ ]m .Too much growth and development 14% 28% 26% 32% 0%
[ ]n.The quality of public schools 12% 15% 25% 33% 15 %
[ ]o .The availability of stable, good payin g
jobs in the local area 34% 43% 11% 8% 3 %
[ ]p .Traffic congestion 16% 29% 28% 27 0/0 0 %
[ ]q .Homelessness and transients 27% 43% 20% 9% 1 %
[ ]r.The amount of taxes and fees peopl e
have to pay for city services 15% 22% 33% 26% 3 %
[ ]s .Loss of open space 13% 20% 32% 33% 3 %
[ ]t .The availability of affordable housing
for middle-class families 41% 38% 9% 6% 6%
FAIRBANK,MASLIN,MAULLIN, METZ &ASSOCIATES
220-3264 WFT
PAGE 3
ATTACHMEN T
LET ME CHANGE THE FOCUS OF MY QUESTIONS .
4.First, have you heard about Measure Y, the City of San Luis Obispo ballot measure that voter s
approved in 2006 to raise the local city sales tax one half cent per dollar of expenditures?(IF YES ,
ASK : "Have you heard a lot about it or just a little?")
Yes, heard a lot (ASK Q .5) 26 %
Yes, heard a little (ASK Q .5) 45 %
No, haven't heard about it (SKIP TO Q .6) 27 %
(DON'T READ)DK/NA (SKIP TO Q .6) 1 %
(ASK Q . 5 IF YES ON Q . 4 )
5.
Do you recall whether you voted on Measure Y?(IF YES,ASK : "Did you vote Yes, in
favor of th e
local sales tax or No to oppose it?")
Voted Yes in favor 51 %
Voted No to oppose 15 %
(DON'T READ)Voted, can't recall how/refused 14 %
Did not vote/can't recall if voted 20%
(ASK ALL RESPONDENTS )
6.
Next, Measure Y, the local half cent sales tax measure, is scheduled to expire in 2014 . To
continue
this local sales tax, voters would have to approve its renewal in another election . I know that vot e
could be a year or more into the future, but if a renewal of this tax were on the ballot today, would yo u
vote Yes in favor of renewing the local half cent sales tax or No to oppose renewal?(IF YES/NO ,
ASK : "Is that definitely or just probably?")
Definitely yes (ASK Q .7) 34%
Probably yes (ASK Q .7) 25 %
Probably no (ASK Q .7) 10 %
Definitely no (ASK Q .7) 16 %
(DON'T READ)Need more info 10%
(DON'T READ)DK/NA 5%
FAIRBANK,MASLIN, MAULLIN, METZ &ASSOCIATES
220-3264 WFT
PAGE 4
(ASK Q . 7 IF YES/NO IN Q . 6)
ATTACHMEN T
7 .
In a few words of your own, what are the main reasons why you would vote (YES/NO?)
YE S
It's important/needed/benefit everyone/maintain quality of life 23 %
Revenue is needed for city operations/services 19 %
Fair tax/everyone contributes 16 %
Need revenue to accumulate funds/growth of the city 14 %
Road repairs/infrastructure/street lights 13 %
There are things that need to be done/can't be paid for otherwise 3 %
Support the community 3 %
Generate more money for the economy 2 %
Funding is decreasing/local counties need the funds 2 %
Need our policeman/fireman/fully staffed 2 %
Need schools open/education 2 %
Jobs 1 %
Reduction in government funds would be detrimental to the city 1 %
Capitalizes on tourist 1 %
People need to pay more taxes/especially the wealthy 1 %
Raise the taxes so we would have better services 1 %
Most of the local problems stem from lack of funds 1 %
Help some of the budget shortfalls 1 %
It offsets state funding/government needs more money 1 %
Want to see safety for pedestrians and bicycle riders maintained 1 %
Help fund the city's parks/recreation areas 0%
Won't make much of a difference 0%
If there was a reasonable plan/don't just do what they want with the money 0 %
Don't know 5 %
N O
Too many taxes already 33 %
Mismanagement of funds/reduce spending 25 %
On a fixed income/can't afford/more money out of our pockets 8 %
Don't need more money/city is doing pretty well/could do without it 6 %
Taxes are too high 6 %
Served its purpose/was to be temporary tax 3 %
Hurts lower income people 3 %
People are losing their jobs/unemployment 3 %
City council will give themselves pay raises like they've done in the past 2 %
More revenue is not a solution to city problems 2 %
All that money that went to firefighters and arbitration was unfair 2 %
Economy is bad 2 %
Too many city services already 1 %
Don't know 10%
B2-10
FAIRBANK, MASLIN,MAULLIN, METZ &ASSOCIATES
220-3264 WFT
PAGE 5
ATTACHMEN T
8.Next, as you may know, residents of the City of San Luis Obispo are currently paying a Utility User s
Tax of five percent on phone, cable TV, electricity, natural gas and water bills . Decisions in the courts
may mean that voters will be asked at a future election to re-authorize City government to collect th e
Utility User Tax . If re-authorization of the Utility Users Tax were on the ballot today, do you thin k
you would vote Yes, to re-authorize this tax or No, to oppose its re-authorization? (IF YES/NO ,
ASK : "Is that definitely or just probably?")
Definitely yes 21 %
Probably yes 18 %
Probably no 18 %
Definitely no 21 %
(DON'T READ)Need more info 10 %
(DON'T READ)DK/NA 12 %
NOW LET ME RETURN YOUR ATTENTION TO MEASURE Y, THE LOCAL SALES TA X
(ROTATE Q9-10 WITH Q11-12 )
9.I am going to give you some statements that could be made by people who favor a ballot measure t o
renew Measure Y, the local half cent sales tax, for an additional period . After hearing each statement ,
please tell me if it would make you more inclined to vote Yes in favor of renewal of the local half cen t
sales tax . If you do not believe the statement, or if it has no effect on your thinking one way or th e
other, you can tell me that too . (IF MORE INCLINED,ASK : "Is that much more or jus t
somewhat?")
MUCH SMWT
MORE MORE (LESS DON'T NO (NO
INCL.INCL.INCL.)BELIEVE EFFECT OPIN .)
(ROTATE )
[]a. The State has taken 30 million
dollars from the City of San Lui s
Obispo over the past decade that
otherwise would have been spen t
on essential City services . The
City sales tax is a locall y
controlled revenue source tha t
makes up for some of this los s
and allows San Luis Obispo t o
stretch its dollars to meet basi c
local needs . Renewing this loca l
tax is essential to protecting th e
vital local services we all rely on . 24% 31% 9% 7% 25% 4%
B2-11
FAIRBANK,MASLIN,MAULLIN, METZ &ASSOCIATES
220-3264 WFT
PAGE 6
ATTACHMEN T
MUCH SMWT
MORE MORE (LESS DON'T NO (N O
INCL .INCL .INCL.)BELIEVE EFFECT OPIN .)
[ ]b.San Luis Obispo is makin g
signficant cuts in the City budget
by reducing the number o f
employee positions an d
negotiating with employee unions
for employee concessions such as
salary reductions, as well a s
increased employee contribution s
for health insurance and pensions .
But even with these cutbacks, Sa n
Luis Obispo needs to rene w
Measure Y to support essentia l
police and fire protection an d
keep the City's streets, sidewalks ,
storm drains and other critica l
infrastructure safe and in goo d
repair . 23% 29% 9% 13% 22% 4%
[ ]c.Renewing the local sales tax i s
the best way to avoid forced cut s
to police services, includin g
cutting back police officers wh o
patrol City streets an d
neighborhoods and reducing dru g
and alcohol enforcement tha t
helps keep drugs off the street s
and reduces alcohol-relate d
crimes and disturbances . 20% 25% 13% 15% 23% 4 %
[ ]d.Renewing the local sales tax wil l
provide the funds needed to fil l
dangerous potholes and keep cit y
streets from becoming more an d
more uncomfortable an d
dangerous to drive . 26% 31% 6% 12% 23% 2 %
[ ]e.Renewal of the local sales tax
gives San Luis Obispo more loca l
control and keeps local tax dollar s
in San Luis Obispo to pay fo r
essential services, such as polic e
and fire protection, senio r
programs, park maintenance, an d
street repair . 32% 29% 10% 7% 20% 2 %
B2-12
FAIRBANK, MASLIN, MAULLIN, METZ & ASSOCIATES
220-3264 WFT
PAGE 7
ATTACHMEN T
MUCH SMW T
MORE MORE (LESS DON'T NO (N O
INCL.INCL.INCL .)BELIEVE EFFECT OPIN .)
[ ]f.If the local sales tax is no t
renewed, the City will be force d
to cut back on keeping drun k
drivers off the streets an d
preventing other alcohol-relate d
crime such as public drunkennes s
by students and violent assaults . 21% 21% 10% 20% 25% 4 %
[ ]g.Crime continues to be an issue i n
San Luis Obispo and calls to th e
police continue at a high volume .
Without renewal of the local sale s
tax, rather than have an adequat e
police force, we would have to cut
back the police force even more . 18% 21% 11% 26% 21 % 4 %
[ ]h.Fire prevention services in San Lui s
Obispo have expanded and improve d
since voters adopted the local sale s
tax . If the local sales tax is no t
renewed, we will have to cut bac k
fire prevention programs no matte r
how valuable they are for loca l
businesses, apartment dwellers an d
homeowners . 20% 27% 9% 18% 20% 6%
[ ]i.Nearly sixty percent of the fund s
provided by the local sales tax g o
into capital improvements such a s
storm drains, new streets and traffi c
signals and open space acquisistion .
But the task is not finished .
Renewing the local sales tax wil l
allow the City to continue makin g
necessary infrastructure
improvements to enhance the safet y
and quality of life in San Lui s
Obispo . 31% 30% 6% 10% 19% 4%
[ ]j.Even in these difficult economic times ,
the local sales tax has allowed the Cit y
to avoid even deeper cuts in essentia l
services while still making progress i n
high priority areas such as street paving ,
traffic congestion relief, floo d
protection, public safety, senior service s
and open space preservation . 28% 31% 8% 6% 23% 4 %
B2-13
FAIRBANK,MASLIN,MAULLIN, METZ &ASSOCIATES
220-3264 WFT
PAGE 8
ATTACHMEN T
10.Now, having heard statements favoring a ballot measure to renew Measure Y, the existing half cen t
local sales tax, would you vote Yes to approve or No to oppose a ballot measure to renew Measure Y ?
(IF YES/NO,ASK : "Is that definitely or just probably?")
Definitely yes 38 %
Probably yes 22 %
Probably no 11 %
Definitely no 17 %
(DON'T READ)Need more info 9 %
(DON'T READ)DK/NA 4 %
(ROTATE Q9-10 WITH Q11-12 )
11.Next, I am going to give you some statements that could be made by people who oppose a ballo t
measure to renew Measure Y, the local half cent sales tax, for an additional period . After hearing each
statement, please tell me if it would make you more inclined to vote No to oppose renewal of the loca l
half cent sales tax . If you do not believe the statement, or if it has no effect on your thinking one wa y
or the other, you can tell me that too .(IF MORE INCLINED,ASK : "Is that much more or jus t
somewhat?")
MUCH SMW T
MORE MORE (LESS DON'T NO (N O
INCL .INCL .INCL .)BELIEVE EFFECT OPIN .)
(ROTATE )
[ ]a.City government is trying to scar e
us into renewing this tax increase .
In reality, the City has enough
money and just needs to manage i t
better and stop wasting the mone y
it already has . 14% 16% 10% 23% 32% 7 %
[ ]b.Binding arbitration on polic e
salaries has lead to big increases ,
which cost taxpayers additiona l
millions each year . But now voter s
have passed Measure B which put s
a stop to binding arbitration . S o
we won't need to renew this loca l
sales tax, which just lets the sam e
spending practices continue wit h
no real accountability . 15% 17% 11 % 22% 28% 7%
[ ]c.The local economy is strugglin g
with high unemployment and th e
state has a deep budget deficit . We
should be repealing this local tax ,
not talking about renewing it . 14% 13% 12% 22% 29% 10 %
B2-14
FAIRBANK, MASLIN, MAULLIN, METZ &ASSOCIATES
220-3264 WFT
PAGE 9
ATTACHMEN T
MUCH SMWT
MORE MORE (LESS DON'T NO (NO
INCL .INCL .INCL.)BELIEVE EFFECT OPIN .)
[ ]d.The City admits that renewing th e
local sales tax will not improv e
City services . In fact, the City i s
simply saying that they wil l
continue to give us less but charg e
more for it . 13% 14% 11 % 27% 27% 7 %
[ ]e.The City is just crying wolf. It say s
it has already had to drasticall y
reduce essential services, such a s
road repair, park maintenance, an d
police and fire protection because o f
budget cuts, but there has been n o
noticeable change in services or ou r
quality of life . 11% 17% 9% 25% 29% 9%
[ ]f.City government would not have to
ask voters to renew the local sale s
tax if it did not overpay it s
employees and give them too man y
benefits . Voting no on renewa l
will draw the line and force th e
City to make real cuts in spendin g
on personnel costs . 15% 17% 11% 23% 25% 8 %
[ ]g.Even if the City says this ta x
doesn't cost taxpayers very much ,
taxpayers are being nickeled an d
dimed to death and just can't
afford to renew this City sales tax . 12% 16% 12% 22% 33% 5 %
[ ]h.City government hasn't used loca l
sales tax revenues in the ways it
promised . Renewing the loca l
sales tax just lets city bureaucrat s
continue to ignore their promises . 12% 16% 11% 23% 28% 11 %
[ ]i.City government says it's cuttin g
back on employee pay an d
benefits, but until we really see tha t
this is done, we should hold back
on renewing this tax . 16% 16% 10% 23% 29% 5 %
[ ]j.City government will be asking us
to renew the Utility Users Tax an d
now they want us to renew the
local sales tax . That's too muc h
taxation . We ought to say NO t o
both of these taxes . 18% 15% 11 % 21% 29% 5 %
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ATTACHMEN T
12.Now, having heard statements favoring a ballot measure to renew Measure Y, the existing half cent
local sales tax, would you vote Yes to approve or No to oppose a ballot measure to renew Measure Y ?
(IF YES/NO,ASK : "Is that definitely or just probably?")
Definitely yes 31 %
Probably yes 23 %
Probably no 14 %
Definitely no 18 %
(DON'T READ)Need more info 10 %
(DON'T READ)DK/NA 5 %
13.Next, when voters approved Measure Y in 2006, it was for a term of eight years ending in
2014 .
Whether you favor or oppose renewing Measure Y, let me ask you to assume for a moment that a
majority of voters want to renew the local sales tax measure . In your opinion, should the local sale s
tax be made permanent, or should it be approved for a fixed period of time ?
Made permanent 13 %
For fixed period of time (ASK Q .14) 78 %
(DON'T READ)Don't renew 1 %
(DON'T READ)Need more info 3 %
(DON'T READ)DK/NA 4 %
(IF "FIXED PERIOD OF TIME" IN Q, Q13, ASK Q . 14 ; ALL OTHERS SKIP TO Q 15 )
14.For how many years should Measure Y be renewed beyond 2014?(OPEN-END VOLUNTEERE D
RESPONSE ; (DO NOT READ . ASK FOR SPECIFIC NUMBER IF LESS THAN 15 YEARS)
One year 5 %
Two years 9 %
Three years 6 %
Four years 18 %
Five years 22 %
Six years 13 %
Seven years 3 %
Eight years 11 %
Nine years 1 %
Ten years 4%
Eleven years 0 %
Twelve years 0 %
Thirteen years 0 %
Fourteen years 0 %
Fifteen or more years 0 %
Don't know/NA 8%
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ATTACHMEN T
(READ TO EVERYONE)
NEXT, LET ME ASK YOU A FEW QUESTIONS ABOUT SAN LUIS OBISPO CIT Y
GOVERNMENT
15.First, how would you rate the overall job being done by San Luis Obispo city government in providin g
services to City residents? Would you say the City is doing an ...?(READ RESPONSES AN D
RECORD)
Excellent 17%
Good 54%
Only fair, or 23 %
Poor job 4%
(DON'T READ)Don't know 2%
16.Next, let me ask you specifically, how would you rate the job being done by City officials in (REA D
ITEM)?Would you say City officials are doing an excellent, good, just fair or poor job?
(DON'T
JUST
READ)
EXCELLENT GOOD FAIR POOR
DK
(ROTATE)
[ ]a.Managing City funds 12% 32% 30% 13% 12 %
[ ]b.Planning for the future in an era o f
reduced city revenues 12% 31% 28% 13% 16 %
[ ]c.Negotiating fair and affordable pa y
and benefits for local publi c
employees 10% 29% 31''A 16% 15 %
HERE ARE MY LAST QUESTIONS AND THEY ARE FOR STATISTICAL PURPOSES ONL Y
17.
Do you own or rent your home or apartment?
Own 64%
Rent 33 %
(DON'T READ)DKJNA 3 %
18.
Are there children under the age of 18 living at home with you ?
Yes 20%
No 79 %
(REFUSED/NA) 1 %
19.
Are you a full-time student at Cuesta College or Cal Poly ?
Yes 14 %
No 85 %
(REFUSED/NA) 1%
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20 . In what year were you born?
ATTACHMEN T
1993-1987 (18-24) 16 %
1986-1982 (25-29) 9 %
1981-1977 (30-34) 8 %
1976-1972 (35-39) 3 %
1971-1967 (40-44) 5 %
1966-1962 (45-49) 7 %
1961-1957 (50-54) 9 %
1956-1952 (55-59) 10 %
1951-1947 (60-64) 7 %
1946-1937 (65-74) 12%
1936 or earlier (75 & over) 11 %
(REFUSED/ DKINA) 3 %
21.With which racial or ethnic group do you identify yourself?(READ RESPONSES )
Hispanic or Latino 6 %
African-American 1 %
Asian 2%
Caucasian/white 89 %
Some other group 0 %
(DON'T READ)DK/Refused 2 %
22.How would you describe your political outlook? Would you say that you are very conservative ,
somewhat conservative, a moderate, somewhat liberal, or very liberal ?
Very conservative 10 %
Somewhat conservative 18 %
Moderate 28 %
Somewhat liberal 29 %
Very liberal 11 %
(DON'T READ)Refused/DKINA 4 %
23.What was the last level of school you completed ?
Grades 1-8 0%
Grades 9-11 0%
High school graduate (12)
Community college, some college/
9%
Business/Vocational school 26%
College graduate (4) 41 %
Post-graduate work /
Professional school 23 %
(DON'T READ)Refused 1%
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ATTACHMEN T
24 .
I don't need to know the exact amount but I'm going to read you some categories for househol d
income . Would you please stop me when I have read the category indicating the total combine d
income for all the people in your household before taxes in 2010 ?
$30,000 and under 16 %
$30,001 - $50,000 15 %
$50,001 - $75,000 14 %
$75,001 - $100,000 18 %
More than $100,000 19 %
(DON'T READ)DK/NA 17 %
THANK AND TERMINAT E
Male 49 %
Female 51 %
Democrat 43 %
Republican 30%
Decline-to-state 22 %
Other party 5 %
Name
Address
City Page #
Zip Voter ID #
Interviewer FIPS
Gender : By observatio n
Party : From file
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FLAG S
G02 48 %
R03 55 %
PO4 51 %
G04 68 %
S05 57 %
P06 47 %
G06 67 %
F08 65 %
J08 47 %
G08 89 %
M09 44 %
P 10 53 %
G10 87%
Blank 2%
VOTE BY MAI L
1 15 %
2 5 %
3+ 36 %
Blank 45 %
PERMANENT ABSENTE E
Yes 49 %
No 51 %
ZIP CODES
93401 58 %
93405 42 %
ROTATES,
Q9, 10, 11, 12 50 %
Q 11, 12, 9, 10 50%
ATTACHMEN T
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