The results are in from a recent budget feedback survey, providing Chase council with some direction going forward.
The survey, which ran from March 6 to 20, had 109 respondents and focused on identifying areas of priority spending on infrastructure and services. A report to council at the March 26 meeting indicated that at 92 per cent, roads topped the list of items main concern for investment, followed by water and sewer at 78 per cent, water meter replacement at 53 per cent and parks/trails and the fire hall tied at 44 per cent.
To facilitate balancing the budget while ensuring programs and services are funded, 50 per cent of respondents opted to increase user fees and property taxes, while 30 per cent said to reduce services or service levels. The most important areas of services indicated were streets and sidewalks, water and sewer, snow clearing, garbage and recycling, community parks, financial planning and beaches and boat launches.
The survey also asked residents to rate their overall satisfaction with quality of life in Chase, with 59 per cent indicating they were happy with it, and just 11 per cent dissatisfied. Delving further into that, the next question asked what they like most about living in the village, with the majority stating the small small town feel and rural living.
For what is liked least about living in Chase, the answers were more varied, but a lack of doctors was a common theme, with cellphone/Internet reception, crime, village administration and cost of living also mentioned more than once.
After receiving the report, Coun. Jane Herman thanked everybody who responded and said it really helps, adding “this is something we can work with.”
Coun. Fred Torbohm also found it to be a useful tool.
“The survey was very informative, and certainly it provided some information as to where we as council can make improvements, and our staff can make improvements,” he said. “So hopefully as a result of that some more positive can come out of it.”
The full results can be found in the March 26 agenda on the village website at www.chasebc.ca.
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