by TaLeiza Calloway
news@thenewsleaders.com
Condition of city streets. Overall appearance of the city. Quality of services provided by the city.
These are just a few examples of city concerns residents can comment on when taking an online survey of city services.
The city is participating in the survey, which is offered by the League of Minnesota Cities.
The survey looks at city services and how they can be improved. St. Joseph City Administrator Judy Weyrens said the LMC coordinated the survey for the first time this year due to a new requirement for cities to receive state aid. This is the first time the city participated in the survey.
“It’s basically a satisfaction survey,” Weyrens said.
In 2010, the Legislature created the Council on Local Results and Innovation and charged it with developing 10 performance measures for cities. Part of the legislation was for the state auditor to administer the Performance Measurement Program by which cities meeting the eligibility requirements would receive funding of 14 cents per capita, up to $25,000, and be exempt from levy limits if they are in effect. In order to receive the 2012 incentive payment, cities have to file a signed resolution to adopt the 10 measures with the auditor by July 1. Participating cities will also need to administer the online survey that asks 12 questions.
The timing of the survey is strategic as if there is a need to revamp snowplowing schedules for example, city officials will have survey results on hand to assist budgeting decisions.
How is it different from holding a public meeting to garner feedback?
“It reaches a broader audience,” Weyrens said of the online survey.
Notice of the survey also went out in the city newsletter so all residents could be aware of the opportunity.
The free survey will be available until June 13. Residents can take it by visiting the following link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/STJOSEPH2012.